The Blake Beat

Fajitas, beans define Latin cuisine for Blake teen : Los Chorros provides unique cultural experience

Friday, May 02, 2008 By Tomiko Mason

For many years I believed that the entirety of Latin American cuisine could be found on the Taco Bell menu. Don’t get me wrong; I love nachos as much as the next person, but I always wondered if there was something more. When I stepped into Los Chorros, a restaurant that offers more culture and authenticity than a Chalupa Grande can provide, I knew I’d found what I’d been missing. Upon entering, I was greeted with “¡Hola! ¿Como está?” and although there’s no way that I could ever be confused with a native Spanish speaker, the restaurant provides a great way to brush up on my Spanish. Located just minutes from the Wheaton metro station, Los Chorros, whose namesake refers to the beloved waterfalls of El Salvador, serves both El Salvadorian and Mexican dishes. The menu contains over 20 appetizer selections, and entrees ranging from more typical fajitas and enchiladas to exotic lobster and Cornish game hen. While the meals are worth their weight in gold, the prices are remarkably inexpensive, with most dishes ranging from seven to 15 dollars. The Washingtonian has even given the restaurant the “Best Bargain” award seven times since its opening in 1989. I can think of no other way to describe the atmosphere than refreshing. Bright pastel walls, multiple exotic fish tanks, and rounded archways create an intimate and light dining experience. The service is prompt, but the meal isn’t rushed; unlike many chain restaurants lead us to believe, food isn’t meant to be fast. If you still have room for dessert, the menu is to die for. For those with a sweet tooth, Pastel de Tres Leches will be your holy grail. It is a delicious, rich, El Salvadorian cake made with condensed, evaporated, and whole milk. Or you can try the mouth-watering Sopapillas, pastries fried with honey and cinnamon. Los Churros is a cultural experience that no one can afford to miss out on. I should warn you, though; you may never want to go back to Taco Bell.