Rachael Shugars, AAP Columnist
Hello to all my loyal Food Adventurers! February is a glorious month. The late, great actor and activist Sidney Poitier was born in February along with Honest Abe Lincoln, basketball legend Michael Jordan, Queen Anne of Great Britain, AND your favorite food writer, ME! In celebration of my birthday month, I have chosen a personal favorite restaurant of mine that I frequent as much as I possibly can, especially when I have a hankering for some good, authentic Mexican comfort food.
Tucked back in the humble Lindenwold Shopping Center all you need do is look for the red and green palm trees and you’ll find Don Tequilas. I will say from experience that this place was both full of flair and completely unassuming all at the same time. My first visit produced an unexpected love for this place, and it’s been that way ever since.
The menu is chick full of nearly anything you can think of related to Latin or Caribbean cuisine. I found things that cater to my Puerto Rican roots like mofongo right alongside traditional Caribbean goat stew. Yes, they have Taco Tuesday, Wednesday is Kids Eat Free. Though I haven’t gone to the bar in the later hours, I suspect from the lights and flashiness of the upper bar that the bar/club scene here is pretty entertaining.
My one huge issue with the place it that I always have a problem figuring out what I want because I know it’s all delicious. The plate that pulled me in was the Tostones Rellenos appetizer. It’s listed as an appetizer, but the serving size is wonderfully large. Imagine a loaded nachos dish on steroids and served on smashed plantains rather than tortilla chips. Everything on this dish comes in excess. Lots of fresh pico de gallo, lots of melted cheese, lots of tostones AND you can get it topped with shrimp, steak, or chicken which is also served with a heavy hand. I’ve had their stews, tacos, most of the side dishes, and much more. If you can’t tell yet, I’m a fan.
Don Tequilas is located at 817 Blackwood Clementon Road in Lindenwold, NJ and is open Sunday through Thursday from 11am until 10 pm. Friday and Saturday are 11am until 11pm. The whole place is visually fun. When you enter into the side door you are presented with a long display of the day’s fares all freshly made and full of flavor. The walls are covered with art and destinations all over South America. The upper bar has lights and pictures on the ceiling. The outside seating area (closed during the cold seasons of course) resembles some beachside tropical hangout. To top it off, service is great and friendly, and you can eat in or order out.
For my birthday this year I suggest you go visit Don Tequilas. Pick a dish and see if it’s your new favorite. Share with me that you have tried by following me in Instagram at AAPFoodAdventures or liking my Facebook page at AAPFoodAdventures. I need more suggestions on dishes I may not have tried yet! Happy February food lovers, enjoy your Food Adventures.
