Monday, September 29, 2014

Besito Mexican Restaurant | Burlington, MA

I am spoiled by living in Somerville. I can literally walk or bike to a large variety of different restaurants and bars anytime I wish (even though I always find myself going to the same few places).

With that being said, it's rare for me to venture out (to the 'burbs, no less!) for a meal. And if I do, that meal better be damn good.

Thankfully, my recent meal at Besito Mexican Restaurant was well worth the short trip over to Burlington.

Besito Mexican might be in the Burlington Mall, but after walking in, you'll forget you're in a mall at all. The setting is borderline stunning, with fabulous lighting and decorative touches throughout. I also immediately appreciated how flawlessly clean and wonderfully quiet the restaurant was.

My cousin and I were seated right away in a comfy booth. We decided to start our meal with some tableside guacamole ($11.95) (made mild, medium, or spicy - we went for spicy) and a round of margaritas (when in Rome, right?).

Besito Mexican Restaurant | The Economical Eater

Besito Mexican Restaurant | The Economical Eater

Besito Mexican Restaurant | The Economical Eater

My cousin ordered the first margarita pictured, the Pepino Margarita ($11), made with Avion blanco tequila, cucumber, jalapeno, Cointreau, agave nectar, and fresh-squeezed lime. I went for the Classic Margarita ($9), made with Blue Agave blanco tequila, triple sec, and lime. Both drinks were spot-on in terms of flavor, and I loved how they both had a nice kick of booze without being overly strong (or worse, too sweet). The tableside guac was plenty to feed two people, and I loved the kick of spice from the jalapenos. (The complimentary chips and salsa here are also super fresh and delicious).

For an appetizer, my cousin and I both enjoyed a Taquitas de Camarones ($11.95), made with crispy shrimp, shredded organic romaine lettuce, pico de gallo, chipotle cream salsa, cilantro, and queso fresco. 

Besito Mexican Restaurant | The Economical Eater

This appetizer is SO worth ordering. The plump shrimp was cooked well, and the accompanying vegetables and sauces blended beautifully with the flavor from the shrimp. This was an ideal way to kick off the rest of our meal.

For entrees, Besito has a large variety of Mexican dishes, including tacos, enchiladas, and "main course" entrees. I went with one of the main course dishes: the Pescado Con Pipian y Atole ($23.95), which featured pan-seared mahi mahi with a blue corn and crab crust, pumpkin seed pipian, sweet corn atole, cilantro, and chayote salad. 

Besito Mexican Restaurant | The Economical Eater

The sauce underneath the mahi mahi was wonderfully silky and well-seasoned, and I adored the crust on the well-cooked fish. 

As a side dish, we got the Platanos con Crema ($4.95), which were fried sweet plantains with crema and queso fresco. They were indulgent and delicious, without being overly greasy or heavy.

Besito Mexican Restaurant | The Economical Eater

All in all, we had a fantastic meal at Besito Mexican. I'll definitely be venturing out of my Somerville bubble again soon to have another meal (and margarita) here!

Have you been to Besito Mexican Restaurant yet? If so, what's your review?

This dinner was complimentary, but all opinions are my own.

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