It was nearly 9 p.m. as my husband and I arrived at Cascada, but we were relieved to see a few other late birds enjoying dinner in the handsome (and sprawling) dining room’s cozy red booths.

Our waiter stopped by with the traditional offering of chips and a trio of salsas (one mild, one spicy, and a delectable creamy bean dip) for us to nibble on while we perused the menu. With more than 50 items listed, you’ll be happy for the snack while you make your choices.

We started off with the Camarones Don Felipe appetizer—succulent jumbo shrimp wrapped in crispy bacon and tossed in hot sauce. The creamy, picante dipping sauce served alongside was a welcome addition, as it cut the vinegar in the hot sauce without compromising heat. Most bacon-wrapped shrimp dishes end up being tough and chewy in an attempt to make the bacon as crispy as possible, but this one embodied a balance of crispy bacon with soft shrimp.

Brocheta

Next, we moved on to our entrées: Brocheta and a “house specialty,” Pasta Mexicana. The first selection, brocheta, which translates to “skewer,” featured strips of sirloin steak sautéed with bacon, onions, jalapeños, tomatoes and melted jack cheese, served with cilantro rice, black beans and tortillas. The meat was of a higher quality then you’d expect in this type of dish (no tough gristle), and came scented with the flavors from the fresh ingredients in the sauté, rather than a heavy-handed marinade.

The Pasta Mexicana was a creative take on traditional Alfredo, with a spicy red chile cream sauce atop penne, chicken, shrimp and über rich habanero sausage. The al dente veggies in the decadent dish (like zucchini and red bell pepper) served as a welcome palette cleanser for me.

We couldn’t leave without trying the churros on the dessert menu—another great decision for the night. The dish was perfect for sharing with two churros nestled in vanilla bean ice cream and topped with gooey caramel. The churros were crispy on the outside and creamy in the middle. It was a perfect ending to a sweet, and spicy, evening.

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Cascada Restaurante & Cantina, 2222 Francisco Drive, El Dorado Hills, 916-934-0800, eatcascada.com.