A New Take on Classic Mexican

One of my favorite local restaurants in San Clemente (and Laguna) Nick's recently opened a new high-end Mexican restaurant South of Nick's here in San Clemente. Last week Jason and I took a little lunch break to taste the food for ourselves. When trying a new restaurant one of my favorite things to do is order a variety of appetizers, and desserts of course, to get a feel for the cuisine. We started with chips and a variety of their house made salsas that our server happily brought us. The roasted tomatillo was my absolute favorite. Slightly tart like a good tomatillo salsa should be with just the right amount of smoke and spice.

For lunch we ordered the Poquito Tortas, Shrimp Taquitos & the Mini Soft Taco Platter (not shown). Let me tell you folks, those little tortas filled with tender beef, creamy beans, pickled beet jicama slaw, cheese and avocado salsa have been haunting my food dreams! Yes, they were that good. Don't tell the shrimp...but I play favorites. For dessert we sampled both the Tres Leches Cake, soaked in creamy milk and rum, as well as a slice of the Caramelized Banana Flan. The manager was not joking when he mentioned that Nicks did some serious research in Mexico City while developing these recipes! They were incredible.

Overall, our lunch far exceeded my expectations and the impeccable service we received only added to that experience. Needless to say, I will be back for dinner, and dessert, and lots of margaritas. I look forward to trying the Coconut Margarita on my next visit. Ole! Thank you South of Nick’s for a delicious lunch!