Delicious desserts and entrees make Los Tres Potrillos a must.

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A delightful taste of Mexico in Louisa at Los Tres Potrillos

Date published: 5/8/2008

By LINDA SALISBURY

FOR THE FREE LANCE-STAR

Amigos! Ride south of the border (Spotsylvania, that is) for delicious Mexican food at Los Tres Potrillos in Louisa.

This friendly, clean, family-owned eatery has an extensive menu that is chock-full of value and good food in these days of rising prices.

Readers have recommended Los Tres Potrillos (the three little horses) since it opened this winter, and My Dining Partner and I can see why. Even on a Thursday evening, many tables were filled by families.

As we studied the menu and enjoyed the Mexican background music, we were quickly served with warm chips and a tasty salsa.

We started with the Los Potrillos' Fiesta Platter ($7.65), a sampler plate. The four chicken wings, with a moderately spicy coating, taquitos and quesadilla nachos was bountiful, and could easily have whetted the appetite of four. Also on the plate were guacamole, sour cream, mild jalapeños, tomato bits and lettuce. The platter offered a nice combination of flavors, from cream and cheesy to slightly spiced.

MDP chose carnitas ($9.95) for his entree. Carnitas are seasoned pork chunks, served with rice, beans and tortillas. The pork, which tasted like rib meat, was tender and flavorful. MDP was pleased with the quality of the meat.

Unable to decide on a single entree (chicken, seafood, meat or vegetarian), I selected No. 13 ($6.95) on the list of combination dinners. This included one enchilada, one beef burrito and one chile relleno.

I'm always glad to have a "glossary" available to remind me about the different offerings. The chile relleno is made with a poblano pepper, a large chile pepper, stuffed with cheese and potatoes. My burrito had good flavor and the ground-beef mix was moist rather than dry. And the enchilada had a delicious cornmeal taste.

With our leftover containers filled, we decided to "force ourselves" to try the homemade desserts. A word to readers: Indulge. Force yourselves!

MDP ordered fried ice cream ($2.65). It was one of the largest servings imaginable: a confection filling a large plate. Vanilla ice cream topped with a mound of whipped cream and chocolate syrup, and dripping with honey. Equally beautiful to look at and eat.

I tried buñuelos ($1.95). They consisted of three hollow fried dough "pillows," drenched in butter and honey and sprinkled with cinnamon.

Amigos, let the buñuelos be our little secret.

Great attentive service made the meal all the more enjoyable. Wild horses won't keep us from returning to Los Tres Potrillos.

Linda Salisbury is the author of an award-winning adventure series for kids.

Address: 406 E. Main St. (space A), Louisa, at the east end of the Glen Marye shopping center behind McDonald's Phone: 540/ 967-3626 Hours: Monday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Prices: Appetizers, $2.25-$7.65 Dinners, $6.25-$16.35 Children's menu, $3.95 Desserts, $1.75-$2.85 Beer and margaritas available. The Scoop: Mexican music, colorful blankets and sombreros provide a hint of Mexico in this clean, family-oriented restaurant. The owners and servers frequent tables and booths addressing customers as "amigos." Nonsmoking only. Payment: Major credit cards accepted.

Date published: 5/8/2008

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