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Jalapenos
85 Forest Drive, Annapolis
410-266-7580
by Gilles and Kathy Syglowski

Still sporting our tans from a recent trip to Mexico, we decided to re-live the adventure and take in a little authentic Mexican/Spanish fare. With fellow travel companions in tow, we headed for Jalapenos. We had heard that renovations at this popular establishment were complete, and were anxious to see what owner Gonzales Fernandez had accomplished this winter.

Jalapenos' expansion, beautifully done, added 75% more room to the original space, which will become a Tapas Bar in the near future. In the new dining room, a water wall with handsome wrought-iron accents on either side provides a soothing and welcoming effect at the front door. The walls are exquisitely hand painted with warm earth tones and faux marble/stone effects. In the center of the room, a two-sided fireplace divides the new space into separate dining areas. The insets and columns on the wall reflect the true Mexican architecture. With the addition of painted vines and murals of Mexican scenery, plus a little Mariachi Cobre, Julio Iglesias and strumming guitars in the background, the only thing missing was the hot sun and a margarita…so we ordered a few. Margaritas, that is.

We started with a Berry Margarita, the traditional blend with the addition of Chambord to give it a sweet berry taste. It was the perfect selection to take us back to paradise. The menu has changed since the remodel, and as we sunk down in the soft leather chairs we were already deciding on dessert even before ordering our entrees.

While the specials sounded delightful, we really wanted to stick with the traditional favorites. For starters, we selected the quesadillas, both crisp and soft at the same time. Filled with melting cheese and topped with sour cream and ripe fresh guacamole, they had an extra twist of "oh so good". The Sopa de Frijoles Negros, (black bean soup) was smooth and well seasoned, and the Nachos Con Pollo (with chicken) well done.

For our entrees, we selected the Chicken Fajitas, very tasty and exceptionally close to the ones we tasted on our trip. The Paella Valenciana-fresh seafood, shrimp, mussels, clams, chicken and chorizo in rich saffron rice-was the best we've tasted in years. The special of the day was a fresh salmon topped with crab and spinach and chipolte sauce. It was scrumptious. Other menu selections include both Spanish and Mexican selections. (You can even order a suckling pig, as long as you give Gonzales two days notice.)

Now, about that dessert. Gilles chose the fried tortilla banana cheesecake, served with a huge scoop of vanilla ice-cream and a nice dollop of fresh whipped cream, all laced in a smooth caramel sauce, and savored it with a sense of selfishness never seen before. So we got to see his enjoyment, if not share it; should we say more? Also very delicious were the bread pudding and the home made flan.

With a couple of cappuccinos and espressos to finish, it was a perfect dinner, and very reasonably priced.

We visited Jalapenos three or four years ago and we had a very pleasant experience then. It's refreshing to return to this lovely new version of the restaurant and find the same quality and consistency. Now, you try it.