Last Wednesday was a balmy 45 degrees, so Laura and I hit the road! We’d heard great things about Rio Salado in Mystic, and we NEVER say no to Mexican food. There’s plenty of socially distanced indoor dining, but we’re scaredy-cats, and the porch, complete with overhead and patio heaters (and an igloo for a large party), beckoned. Cozily ensconced and feeling a whiff of freedom, we enthusiastically over-ordered. After plowing through a bowl of warm, perfectly thin and crispy tortilla chips with fresh salsa, we moved on to scrumptious chicken taquitos in a puddle of Chile con Queso for dipping (sort of like a Mexican spring roll!). That was just our appetizer! Then tacos for me and Enchiladas de Mole for Laura. On our super-sweet waiter’s recommendation, I ordered the cauliflower (and carnitas, natch). This veggie combo with sweet potatoes and a hit of chipotle on a blue corn tortilla was spicy and sweet and salty and hit all the right notes. Unusual and DELISH. Accompaniments of creamy black beans and green rice round out the dishes. Who can resist plantains, and we didn’t, sprinkled with queso fresco and a dollop of crema. Mexican street corn was fresh and fun and messy. Prices are great, service outstanding, and the menu is not your usual rice/beans/burrito carb fest. It was a lovely jaunt back out into the world and gave us hope for Spring.

8 Coogan Blvd, Mystic
860-245-5152