{"id":53,"date":"2009-10-25T13:51:00","date_gmt":"2009-10-25T21:51:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/topmomblog.com\/?p=53"},"modified":"2009-12-11T15:05:37","modified_gmt":"2009-12-11T23:05:37","slug":"el-matador-cantina","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/shescookin.com\/el-matador-cantina\/","title":{"rendered":"EL MATADOR CANTINA"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\nThis month’s BlogCrush “meeting” was my third and they keep getting better and better – or maybe its because I know more people so I feel more comfortable.\u00a0 We were hosted by El Matador Cantina<\/a> in Fullerton who had cleared their lounge area and set up long tables for us. \u00a0This arrangement was perfect because it seated us all together and no one was left standing or sitting alone if they didn’t know anyone. \u00a0We were also able to go around the table and introduce ourselves and say a little about what we blog about which is a great icebreaker and puts new bloggers more at ease.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n


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The restaurant offered three of their unique libations for $5 and treated us to a wonderful sampling of their innovative Southwestern cuisine. <\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

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The libation I chose to imbibe was the luscious Mango Dulce (right). <\/span><\/span><\/div>\n


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Co-owner Rob Hallstrom and Chef Dave Dennis took the time to talk personally with our giddy group and reveal their future plans for the restaurant and the nuances of the flavorful dishes we were sampling.\u00a0 Chef Dennis even offered to prepare a selection from the menu that we wanted to try.\u00a0 I suggested the Chile Relleno because long ago, as an emerging foodie, I read that the quality of a\u00a0 Mexican or Southwestern restaurants could be determined by their chile relleno.\u00a0 Munching mammas mouths full of Queso Fundido and Cantina Eggrolls, nodded in agreement.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

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The Chile Relleno was a study in contrasts:\u00a0 the colorful crunchy crust of crushed red & yellow tortilla chips against the velvety cheese and piquant tomatillo avocado salsa was savored with enthusiasm<\/a> (see <\/span><\/span>
\nmore photos of the evening taken by Kara Noel and Hot Hubby). Blog Crush is not limited to the ladies – but this particular evening was noticeably lacking a male contingent – maybe it was the Angel game – so guys, you missed out! But at least the Angels WON and go back to Yankee land to battle it out in Game 6.<\/span><\/span>
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Can’t forget the delectable desserts that ended the evening: \u00a0the moist pumpkin cake celebrated autumn so deliciously and a cookie and ice cream lover’s delight called Cookie Fundido.<\/em><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Photos courtesy of El Matador.<\/em><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

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