|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fiesta Mexicana, located at the corner of 16th and M Streets, in downtown Merced, CA, has been an iconic Mexican restaurant since 2008, and has become a favorite of all Mercedians who appreciate fine Mexican food. As with all of reviews that I publish, I have no affiliation with the restaurant reviewed, and there is no monetary gain on my part, as I am simply a person who likes to eat, and I love to write-up, and publish my dining experiences.
Photo: It's a little past the 07:00 in the morning opening time, Sunday, November 05, 2023, and I've arrived at Fiesta Mexicana to enjoy a delicious, authentic Mexican breakfast. This fine restaurant opens every day at 07:00 and serves authentic Mexican cuisine.
Photo: As you enter the restaurant, you'll be meeted and greeted, and the friendly staff member will seat you, and provide you with a menu. As in Mexico, the decor is very colorful.
Photo: As you enter the restaurant, look to you left and you'll see the small, full-service bar, that can mix any drink of your choice. On this early Sunday morning, the bar wasn't open... no surprise on that.
Photo: The bar advertises that NFL football games are always shown in the bar, and I can truly see the team the restaurant admires. Yes, Merced is truly 49'er country!
Photo: The dining room is truly attractive, comfortable and nicely decorated. The decor is definitely Mexican, whith lots of photos on the wall of people, places and scenery in Mexico. The restaurant offers many seafood choices, so there is a faux blue marlin mounted on the wall.
Photo: Drum kit, complete with snare, tom tom, bass drum and high hat, on display above the check out counter. If that wasn't enough, there's an acoustic guitar on display beside the drum kit. Unique to say the least!
Photo: Look up towards the center of the photo of the dining room and you'll see the drum kit. I basically "opened up" the restaurant, and for the first half hour, I had the dining room to myself, with the exception of one gentleman sitting in a booth near the check-out counter. I assume he was either the owner or the manager on duty.
Photo: The breakfast menu features both Mexican and American classics. You can "mix and match" between potatoes, beans and rice, along with toast or tortillas.
Photo: After placing my order, my hostess returned with a basket of corn tortilla chips, and a bowl of the best restaurant salsa in Merced County! The "House Salsa" - made in-house - was simply amazing! Like most salsas, it was tomato-based and had all of the usual things you'd expect in salsa, such as tomato, onion, garlic and cilantro. But this salsa had chunks of tomato, onion and... shredded cabbage! The salsa wasn't hot, but it had a "kick" to it, but it had a rich, smoky taste to it that was simply amazing. I wish I could get the recipe, but I'd place a wager that it's proprietary.
Photo: Meet Theresa, my friendly hostess, who brought my breakfast to me with a smile. Too bad I messed-up on the autofocus in my camera. I guess I need to relearn Photography 101.
Photo: I'm all smiles, as I'm ready to enjoy an amazing Mexican breakfast at Fiesta Mexicana, located in downtown Merced. Thanks. Theresa for taking my photo!
Photo: From the "Breakfast" section of the menu, I went with "Carne Asada, Three Eggs, Potatoes and Toast." Substitutions are available, as you can choose between potatoes, beans and rice, or you can mix and match. I chose to "mix and patch" fried potatoes with refried beans. Rather than toast, I chose flour tortillas. When I enjoy breakfast at a Mexican restaurant, I crave breakfast like I'd enjoy if I was visiting Mexico. Fiesta Mexicana is very serious breakfast, as breakfast is served anytime the restaurant is open. It's a breakfast lover's paradise in Merced! The "main event" of my breakfast was a generous portion of grilled carne asada. The meat was thinly cut, seasoned and marinated, and grilled to perfection. The steak was juicy, fork-tender and nearly melted in my mouth. What a way to begin a Sunday morning! I opted for potatoes and refried beans as my sides of choice and although Mexican rice tempted me, I simply HAD to go with potatoes. Beans are always a de facto standard for me, so there was no question in my mind to go with refried beans. The refried beans were creamy, with just a little bit of texture, and were simply delicious! I don't believe they had any lard, as I couldn't ascertain the "nutty" flavor that lard implants into beans, but I loved them. The beans were sprinkled with melted Mexican cheese. The potatoes were coarsely diced red potatoes, lightly seasoned, and grilled in butter. They were soft, tender, and simply delicious. As a nice touch, the chef at Fiesta Mexicana left the skins on the potatoes. Like the beans, I simply loved the potatoes. Three eggs for breakfast... oh my! Eggs can be ordered cooked any style, and I went with sunnyside up, as they mix well with potatoes and beans. Like the rest of my breakfast, the eggs were perfectly cooked to order. Rather than toast - I was dining at a Mexican restaurant after all - I went with flour tortillas, and my breakfast included two toasted flour tortillas. I had commented to Theresa how much I loved the "House Salsa," and she offered to bring me another helping for my breakfast. Thanks! The salsa was even better with my breakfast than country gravy! As an aside, during my many travels to Mexico, I've eaten many similar breakfasts in loncherias and restaurants, but not in such an elegant dining room! This was an authentic Mexican breakfast. My breakfast was simply delicious, as everything was perfectly cooked, and simply amazing. The morning chef at Fiesta Mexicana has talent!
Photo: Carne asada, fried eggs, refried beans and red potatoes made for a delicious breakfast. The "House Salsa" along with the toasted flour tortillas added to the enjoyment. I highly recommend Fiesta Mexican for a delicious Mexican breakfast! Fiesta Mexicana is one of a handful of Mexican restaurants in the Merced area that open early - 07:00 every day - for breakfast, which is truly a welcome addition to the Merced dining scene. The food is simply delicious, the staff is friendly, and the dining room is very comfortable, and interestingly decorated. The full-service bar is always welcome! Enjoy delicious Mexican dining in downtown Merced at Fiesta Mexicana, located in Merced, CA. Fiesta Mexicana Copyright(c) 2023 eRench Productions. All rights reserved. We've been on the web since December 22, 2002.
|
