Chiapas [Nuevo]

It's not that I'm obsessed with Chiapas--although I see how writing about the place three times in the last two weeks might give you that impression--it's just that when the only good Mexican place in Northeast closes for remodeling, you tend to get a little scared when they don't open back up on schedule.

The new decor is an improvement, as it's simply a lack of the old decor.  The center booths went the way of the ducks and pheasants wallpaper, but now there seem to be more taxidermied roosters.  The menu is virtually unchanged, however Chiapas now has new owners, cooks and staff.  Actually, when I had lunch there on Friday, it appeared that the new owners were the new cooks and the remaining staff were their children on spring break from school.  The service, as Sarah mentioned here, needs some polishing.  And maybe some sanding and buffing before that.

The recipes have changed a little, though I only tried the taquitos de papa (my usual).  The potatoes had heavier spice and I suspected there was meat stock involved.  My dining companion said the steak tacos were improved.  We always order two sopes as an appetizer, but I guess those days are over; the cook said we had to order the whole platter with beans, rice and salad.  At almost $10.00, it's just not worth it.

I'm not shy about making some gentle suggestions for improvement, but I'm still a little nervous about Chiapas [Nuevo].  I mean, it was great Mexican practically in my backyard (no beer, but whatever).  The two joints across the street, Adelita's and Los Dos Puertos, are just not good.  Really, don't even bother unless you enjoy ranchera karaoke, because you probably won't enjoy the food. 

The best Mexican in Minneapolis is hands-down La Poblanita on East Lake and 17th, but it'd be nice not to have to drive across town when I've got frijoles on the brain.

Comments

[Brian]

I agree with your comments about the service and food at the remodeled Chiapas, but take a little exception about the Adelita's comments. I've eaten at Adelita's several times and have generally been pleased with the food (breakfast is even respectable). It's the occasional competing media at Adelita's that makes it difficult to dine there sometimes - multiple tv's tuned to different channels all competing with the radio.

I think Chiapas will get the service kinks worked out soon.

[shogunmoon]

Adelita's is actually pretty solid. Maybe the veg food sucks, who knows. Neither joint holds a candle to Los Ocampo or Salsa a la Salsa or whatever, but are ok for here. Adelita's has good Carnitas and Al Pastor.

[Alexis]

No way guys, thumbs down! And that's a resounding "boo" on all the meat tacos, fried fish and soups from my Mexican dining companion, too. But good call on the TVs; a friend of mine was just complaining about that to me today. They are ridiculously distracting, though it's still preferred over the blaring DJs and/or live music you endure at La Poblanita or El Pantano.

Northeast needs a La Poblanita. I'd rarely cook at home anymore if that happened, though.

[shogunmoon]

Maybe your "Mexican Dining Companian" has bad taste. Most "American Dining Companions" would prefer a crap steak at TGI Fridays over Fugaise. Just sayin...

[shogunmoon]

er, Companion... sorry!

[Alexis]

No, it's his job to make food taste good.

[shogunmoon]

Then get him to open a place in NE :) I must say that I do not understand why there is no *good* mexi (or asian, if you want something non-indian) in NE.

Anyway, I was under the impression that the old owners of Chiapas opened Adelita's because they were unable to get a beer license at the Chiapas location due to the landlords apperent religious objections.

[Alexis]

We've thought about it. We're still toying with the idea of a tacos and tamales stand out of city limits (permits are a bitch for that kind of operation).

Agreed on the Asian thing, too. That is really frustrating. There's some place that delivers from Dinkytown but it's so bad. I should've known since the word "Express" is in the restaurant name.

I don't know anything about the building owner thing. The food at Adelita's is so different from Chiapas [Viejo] and none of the employees are the same so I'm skeptical. I see how not having a beer and wine license would crush them, though, once the places across the street opened up. I'll keep an eye on the neighborhood paper; they usually have little tidbits like that in the business section.

[shogunmoon]

Delivery is another thing we can add to the list for would-be NE hey sw... What? Panda Express or Snap!? Hmm. That is a reluctant decision sometimes made around our house. I have heard Crescent Moon delivers, but never remember to call.

With real estate prices so low, it might be time to set up a well run, clean, and stylish joint. NE already has reasonable "American" restaurants, like the Modern or whatever. Be smart to do something like Ngon or a slightly more casual version of Azia would do well if it was near the 13th and Uni corner. One with good vegetarian options, natch. :) You could probably pay half the annual rent at art-a-whirl alone!

[shogunmoon]

oops, hey sw = restaurantaur

[Alexis]

Crescent Moon does deliver, as long as they have a driver on the clock that day; sometimes they don't. And they're closed Mondays, but that's when you should be ordering from Snap since it's 2-4-1 pizzas on Mondays.