This week I ventured out to Frank & Fina’s Cocina located at 4175 S. Grand Canyon Drive. It’s been a while since we wrote about a Mexican Restaurant and I’m happy to report I may have found my new favorite Mexican restaurant in Las Vegas.
Cocina is a nice family owned business that from the minute you walk in you feel like you’re a guest in their home rather than at a restaurant. The Mexican décor is authentic and cozy. The staff is very friendly and helpful with the menu, answering your questions and making recommendations.
As all Mexican restaurants do, they start you out with a basket of fresh tortilla chips and homemade salsa. Their salsa is great. I am one that doesn’t like a real spicy salsa and this had just enough kick without setting my mouth on fire. Try an order of the bean dip with the chips, as they serve a portion that is big enough to share of refried pinto beans and black beans topped with melted cheese and Pico de Gallo.
My wife loves their enchiladas as she has ordered it several times here. It comes with rice and refried beans. For me I have had the shrimp tacos, which were excellent. The flavor of the grilled shrimp and the fresh ingredients on the taco made the perfect light lunch.
On other visits I have had the fajitas. I have had both the steak, which is my favorite along with the shrimp fajitas. You get a heaping sizzling platter for just $14.95 along with rice and beans. Don’t worry if you can’t decide between beef, chicken or shrimp, Frank & Fina’s offers combination platters where you can combine two different meat choices.
One of the more popular items on the menu is a dish called Chicken Mole. I’ll be trying this on a future visit, as it’s a boneless chicken breast simmered in their homemade poblano brown mole sauce – rich and spicy with a hint of sweetness.
The place opens at 11 a.m., and also offers several breakfast dishes if you are feeling like a late morning breakfast. The Machaca is scrambled eggs with shredded beef, bell peppers, tomatoes and onions. The Con Chorizo with scrambled eggs and Mexican sausage looked very good as well.
When the wife and I go out for dinner at a Mexican restaurant one of our favorite parts of the meal is the fried ice cream for dessert. Frank & Fina’s Fried Ice Cream is one of the better-fried ice creams we have had here in Las Vegas. It is always the perfect ending to a great meal.
I like to find smaller mom and pop type places and, well, Frank & Fina’s is another in that class. The food is excellent with the portions big and the prices very reasonable. The waiters and waitresses are very friendly and attentive. If you want authentic Mexican food check out the Cocina. I give it 3.75 forks.
Marco D’Angelo is a race horse owner and breeder, professional sports handicapper and bettor. You can find Marco at WagerTalk.com or follow him on twitter: @MarcoInVegas. Email: [email protected]
You can find Marco at WagerTalk.com or follow him on twitter: @MarcoInVegas