I eat Mexican whenever I can on solo dining trips as my husband doesn’t like this type of food. When I saw Azteca D’Oro on University Boulevard in Orlando near UCF, I knew I had to try it. The first time I went, I did carry-out during a very busy lunch hour. I went to the bar to order. Got an appetizer quesadilla & added chicken for an extra charge. Later when I was back at my hotel, I looked at the menu and discovered that it would have been a better deal to order the Club Quesadilla entree which included whole wheat tortilla stuffed with chicken, bacon, avocado, lettuce, Monterey Jack cheese, pico de gallo and sour cream and is served with white rice and Rancho (cholesterol-free) beans. Would have been nice if the bartender who took my order had mentioned it. Azteca is a super popular lunch place in the UCF area, crazy busy. I timed my second visit for mid-afternoon. Lunch prices are in effect until 3PM so it’s cheaper to sample menu items at this time.

I ordered the Pollo a la Crema – strips of chicken breast sautéed with onions and mushrooms in a cream sauce and garnished with Cotija Mexican cheese. I got double black beans in place of rice. The entree came with a little mound of salad greens as well. I feel I struck gold with this dish as it was really tasty, what with all that creamy melted cheese sauce. Only problem was when I found a piece of melted cellophane wrap in the dish. Yuck! The waiter was very apologetic. Without me asking, he reported it to the manager who offered me a free dessert, which I accepted (got the flan). Tortilla chips and salsa come with all meals. It is the best salsa I have ever tasted with a delightful smoky chipotle flavor. The tortilla chips, however could use a little more salt. If you like Mexican food, try this place and you won’t be disappointed. Check out their daily specials like Taco Tuesdays and $2 Margaritas Monday – Friday from 11AM – 3PM.

While there, be sure to look up at the ceiling near the bar to see the chandelier made of Corona beer bottles. It’s awesome.