Vallejo's Kick-Ass Nachos: A Unique and Flavorful Treat in Sacramento

I normally shun nachos when dining out. In most places, they are a bland combination of over-salted cheese and a few spoonfuls of pasty chili beans, smothered in sour cream. Blech!

So when a group of us decided to go out for Mexican food one evening, we decided to give Vallejo's a try.

This is not a place for the faint of heart or appetite. Both the noise level and the food are big. And the ambiance is definitely street cantina. But the food is superb. As we sat there deciding what to order, I spotted something that piqued my interest. The waiter had just deposited an enormous platter of something that looked and smelled delicious, at the adjoining table. Leaning over I asked the gentleman what he was eating and he told me it was the steak nacho plate. I was hooked!

I ordered the medium plate figuring it had to be smaller than what he had ordered. Not! This is one big platter of savory, melt in your mouth ambrosia. Filled with homemade chips, fresh cheeses and piled high with savory strips of tender steak, this was simply the best I've ever eaten-anywhere. Instead of simply smothering the plate with sour cream and guacamole, they place it separately on the platter for you to use as you wish.

With its flavorful strips of pepper, onions and garlic, the nachos offer you a unique and mouth-filling treat. Since these are cooked to order you never get soggy or stale chips, overcooked meats or thick gunky cheeses. The strips of steak are well seasoned and grilled to tender succulent perfection. They offer their nacho platters with ground beef, chicken or pork, in addition to the steak. My medium platter ran a very reasonable $5.95, and had enough food, I had to bring some home. The large platter is ideal for two people, and must weigh in at at least a pound.

Open since 1983, Vallejo's offers Sacramentans some of the best Mexican food in the area. With 3 different locations, you can always find a table at Vallejo's. If you're travelling to Sacramento, give them a try. You won't be sorry.