Dining Out at the Limon È Sal Taqueria & Bar in Folsom
6693 Folsom-Auburn Road, Folsom, 916-294-7084, limonesalrestaurant.com
I recently went to a culinary event and was asked: “What’s your favorite local restaurant for Mexican cuisine?” I don’t play favorites when it comes to food, so I typically offer this: “Have you tried…? I really like their…!”
While pushing my standard narrative, the couple I was regaling responded in unison: “We love that place—and the dessert is amazing!”
The restaurant in question was Limon È Sal in Folsom. And the dessert? Their churro ice cream sandwich. Usually I leave dessert descriptions for the end, but in this case, I defer to the time-tested mantra, “Life is short, eat (or write about) dessert first.” The first thing I noticed was its presentation; caramel swirl, rosette of whipped cream, and a sliced strawberry leading to a scoop of vanilla ice cream sandwiched in between a deep-fried cinnamon-sugar waffle. After devouring it, I decided my next T-shirt needs to say “Life is short, eat the churro ice cream sandwich first.”
But before the sweet treat hit the table, I ventured to Limon’s savory side, starting with their complimentary handmade chips and fresh-made roasted tomato salsa. Next, I tried the aptly named super nachos with carnitas and was presented with a heaping portion of succulent roast pork on their home-style corn chips topped by the Mexican flag: thick stripes of guacamole, sour cream, and pico de gallo. Good carnitas are hard to find, and these were moist and full of flavor. The dish could’ve easily been a meal for two.
From the appetizer menu, I had another complete meal: jorge’s especial—a composition of chilled, south-of-the-border, palate-pleasing flavors and coastal seafood—including tender octopus, shrimp, cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions—all marinating in lime juice and Jorge’s special sauce. Pile it on a tostada chip or dig in fork first; either way, it’ll remind you of being at a beach cantina in Cabo.
Tamales. Everyone, including yours truly, has an aunt, mother-in-law, or some distant 12th cousin that makes the best stuffed and steamed masa tube, but I have to tip my corn husk to Limon È Sal. Between the chili-seasoned masa, correct ratio of meat (pork or chicken) to exterior, melty cheese, and tomato sauce, they were just as good, if not better, than the tamales I get (dare I say it) at home.
Hours: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. (Sunday), 10 a.m.-9 p.m. (Monday-Thursday), 10 a.m.-10 p.m. (Friday), 8 a.m.-10 p.m. (Saturday)
Try This: Jorge’s Especial, Mango Salad, Chile Relleno, Super Veggie Burrito, Tamale, Street Tacos, Mi Mazatlan Quesadilla, Churro Sandwich, Mangoneada Margarita
Drinks: Full bar; beer, wine, and cocktails
Tab: $$