Arturo's Avenida Ensenada 2251 Colonia Cacho Tijuana

Tel: 84-84-74

I. GETTING THERE

We braved the El Niņo storm and celebrated Dia de Amistad (Valentine's Day) at Arturo's. Yes, tiny rivulets were running down the sides of the streets and we did need to use an impromptu "bridge" (a 2 by 4 plank) in order to get to the sidewalk from the street, but there were no disasters reaching the restaurant via taxi. Although we called in advance for reservations, it was not brought to our attention that there would be a special menu for Dia de Amistad.

II. THE SETTING

A converted house, Arturo's is small, with just one main dining room, a banquet room and a bar. Decorations are minimal, some still life paintings on the wall and a few wine racks filled with wine bottles. The tables were tastefully covered with red and white linen. Aside from the front entrance, which has nicely tiled steps, and white Christmas tree lights adoring the bushes, the decor was not memorable. The red and white balloons with long red ribbons dangling from the ceiling provided a festive atmosphere for the holiday.

Unlike some TJ restaurants, Arturo's took our reservation seriously and when we arrived our table was ready, laid out with a reservation card with our name and number of people expected, and plates of appetizers. The appetizers consisted of plates of lunch meat, balls of chopped tuna, cheese, tomatoes and onions topped with capers.

III. THE FOOD

Shortly after arriving, the appetizers mentioned above were supplemented by the much appreciated warm bolillos, which tasted as if they came right out of the oven. Our special holiday menu consisted of 5 entrees to choose from, each $15. U.S. I chose beef cooked in apple. The beef was very tender and the savory sauce with apple slices in it was flavorful. The other entrees offered were salmon with a pine nut sauce; medallions Neapolitano, which was beef (beef medallions with a layer of ham and cheese); chicken; and guinea hen, which no one in our normally adventurous group tried.

All of the entrees were fresh and flavorful. Served with the entrees were tiny portions of fresh vegetables - broccoli and carrots and new potatoes came with the beef in apple - asparagus and mashed potatoes with the chicken. We especially enjoyed the presentation of the mashed potatoes, formed as swan's body with neck and head made of another, unknown material. The vegetables were cooked just right- not crunchy, not soggy.

Dinner came with salad - spinach and tomato and a sweet dressing and thick, sturdy flan with a slightly burnt flavor to the sauce. We were all amused at the liberal use of red and green candied cherries - one each in our salads!

IV. BEVERAGES

Sangria preparada was very good. We were somewhat disappointed in the small selection of beer - Tecate, Bohemia and a light lager beer were all that were offered. Three red wines were available - two from La Cetto, our group tried a Cabernet for $16/bottle, and a Nebolo limited reserve $25/bottle. Santo Thomas wines were also offered. No Chablis was available.

The waiters were attentive, friendly and accommodating, and did not protest when we asked for separate checks.

Reviewed by Pat Fisher, 15 February 1998