South of Nick's Mexican Kitchen and Bar

Restaurant Review. (Overall Rating - 8.5) South of Nick's, the latest addition to the Nick's brand, delivers dishes from Southern California's Mexican roots to add a little chile and spice to Nick's commitment to fresh, flavorful food and warm hospitality. Opens January 10th.
110 North El Camino Real
San Clemente, CA 92672
Reservations: 949.481.4545

During a pre-opening invitation only event , the restaurant generously offered lucky guests an opportunity to experience the newest baby in the Nick's family. We had an appetizer, two main dishes, and a dessert. Below is our review. Bravo!

Ambiance/Decor: (Overall Rating - 8) The old restaurnant, Gordon James, has been gone for about a year, and we eagerly awaited the opening of South of Nicks. With the opening date pushed out a few months, we expected an amazing transformation in the architecture. While the look is fresh and clean, we were not WOWED. I am sure it takes a lot of planning and paperwork to do a build-out. The major change was a reconfiguration of former space that was utilized more efficiently.

The enterance is a lovely area with nice benches and bubbling urns. It is a great waiting area. The indoor patio is now an inviting hostess area and waiting space. I liked the open feel. The old bar to the right was made into a dining room, but lacked ambiance. It was just a big room with no warmth. The bright spotlight over the table was sceaming to be lowered. The old main dining room was now a huge bar with tables lining the perimeter. I actually liked that configuration! You could see the open kitchen and the staff working in their cute red chef caps.

The neutral earth tones were punctuated with nice lighting, but there was a dire need for a pop of color. Then it dawned in me; the walls were like a blank canvas, primed, and ready for some color. To make it a 1O, South of Nick's needs art. ambient wall sconces or iron candle holders. ANYTHNG! My humble suggestion: hang paintings or giclee's that echo the likes of Fabian Perez or Aldo Luongo. That sexy hot-blooded tango art! Make a statement.

Customer Service (Rating - 10) Everyone there, from the hosts to the runners were a hit! We were met with smiles, warm greetings and amazing hospitality from all. This was a hosted dinner (save for the drinks) and one would think there would be "attitude" from the servers because was the chance that the gratuity would be skimpped upon by diners looking for a free ride. Not a hint of it! We gave our lovely server a $30.00 tip. She deserved it.

Wine List/ Bar Menu (Rating 8.5) The menu has a nice selection of creative drinks that support the theme of an upscale Mexican restaurant. There is solid selection of tequilas and Margaritas. They wisely stayed away from the "fur-fru drinks", like the strawberry and mango blender concoctions, and lean towards original recipes in a shaker! Love that. The sweet and sour was used sparingly, and is house made. The beer selection is nice, and the tap beers spout out of some groovy iced coated pipe contraption that you simply must see to appreciate. I am a wine lover, and although they have stayed away from the low-end mundane wines, they could offer a little more of a selection. Do that, add some fun, ethnic martinis and you have a 10! http://www.thenickco.com/liquidassetsson.pdf

Food Menu (Rating 9.5) Great selection! Creative dishes! Appropriate price point! Change out the rice and beans and you have a 10! Contact me, as my Mexican mommy has the perfect recipes for you!
http://www.thenickco.com/southofnicksmenu.pdf

Chips and Salsa (Rating 10) These chips were like crack! The best I have tasted, bar none! The chips had a great density, and the oil used was of high quality. The finely ground sea salt brought out the flavor all the more. The chips were served in a nice oblong wooden bowl and were accompanied with an excellent, fresh salsa.

Pork Empanadas. ( Rating 8.5 ) Served in a generous portion, these four large empanadas were a main dish in themselves. These tasty delights were made with corn masa, red chile, shreaded pork, a smidge of cheese and drizzled with red sauce. They were lightly fried and not heavy in texture. Having a bit more punch to the sauce would have made this dish a 10.

Pork Chili Verde (Rating 3) The menu described this dish as stewed pork, served with Spanish rice, refried beans and served with homemade flower tortillas. Let me start with the positives. The pork was very tender, with large chuncks of moist meat. Ok, there is here it ends. The plate itself was one of the most bland presentations I have ever experienced. Off white pork, white rice (not Spanish), and a serving of what I would call pureed navy beans. The verde sauce was scant, yet the only hint of color on the otherwise colorless white plate. The homemade flour tortillas never arrived, and knowing they were white, I never reminded the server to bring them. The entire dish was flavorless, especially the refried beans. I cried out for Cholula, and was happy that I stuffed myself on the chips and empanadas!

Shrimp Diablo (Rating 8.5) The dish looked amazing! Huge shrimp, covered in a tasty red chipotle sauce, Spanish rice (not white rice as specified) and refried beans. There was no skimping on the avocado, which fanned accross the top of the shrimp. I drooled with jealousy as I scanned my eyes on my own meal. The shrimp were tender and again, quite large. The rice and beans were as described above. The rice did not have even an echo of Mexico. Improvement of the rice and beans would have made this dish a 10.

Chocolate Tart (Rating 10) What a happy ending. This dense, chocolate tart was amazing! The use of Mexican chocolate and cinnamon was true to the theme. The ice cream must have been homemade, as it was rich and flavorful.

Nice Touches: Iced cold filtered water poured from utilitarian bottles, sea salt in the shakers, the flatware is ultra nice!!! Very heavy and no expense spared! My fingers itched to use one of those bone handled steak knives. Oh yeah, chewing gum is available in mini boxes for the way out. I did not see the bathroom...darn! But I am sure it is quite cool.

Nick's, overall, you have a winner. Congratulations. Thank you so much for the generous dinner! We look forward to being regulars.
Mary Ann Kilgore, San Clemente, CA
aka "coach cassi st. james"