MEXICO RESTAURANTE AUTENTICA COSINA

MEXICO RESTAURANTE

HONOLULU, HAWAII

I was excited when two visiting contractors from San Diego told me about a place they found in Honolulu that had great Mexican food.  Both of these guys said it was authentic and delicious.  We ventured to Mexico today.  It is located on North School Street which is a little bit out of the way for us.  When we entered we said "wow" this is the real deal Mexican place.  The chips and salsa soon came and we were ready for some authentic Mexican.  I ordered up a shredded chicken, shredded beef and carne asada taco with rice and beans.  My guest ordered a shrimp quesadilla, chicken enchilada and a carne asada taco with beans and rice.  The food arrived on huge plates covered with large portions of Mexican rice and refried beans.  I started  with the carne asada.  The taco is served on two corn tortillas because they are greasy.  I think they actually deep fried the steak.  The flavor was good but not great.  The chicken and beef tacos were kind of bland and also greasy.  The rice and beans were fine.  The shrimp quesadilla had a good amount of shrimp in it but it to was very greasy.  Actually dripping grease.  The chicken enchilada was served with a green salsa that was good.  We all left very full but disappointed in the flavors.  Not bold enough for our taste.  The atmosphere and service were great.  The menu here is large and includes all the standard Mexican fare.  There are a lot of seafood items such as Crab Enchiladas, Diablo Shrimp, Crab Rellenos, Shrimp Tacos, Scallop Tacos and Fish Tacos.  Also several salads and Fajitas.  I would like to return to try some other dishes before I write off this place.