Alameda is a small island next to Oakland and is quite a nice area to explore, shop, and eat. Just ten minutes away from Berkeley by car, this city boasts tons of restaurants, chains and mom-and-pops alike. Last week, I grabbed dinner with my team at a delicious Mexican restaurant.
La Penca Azul, as it’s called, was the first place winner of the 2011 San Francisco BayList for Best Mexican Food in the Bay Area. It’s a family-owned restaurant with two locations in Alameda County, and I was excited to be trying some quality food.
As soon as we were seated, the waiter placed free chips and salsa, which were delicious and addicting (and bottomless). Our team ordered calamari, fried zucchini, and quesadillas for starters. By the time our entrees came out, we were already pretty full. But no matter! I’d ordered La Penca Azul Especial and wasn’t about to give up so easily.
La Penca Azul Especial included Top Sirloin seasoned with special spices topped with grilled onions and chile, as well as prawns, rice, beans and salad. Everything was delicious, especially the prawns, which I’d ordered cooked in La Diabla hot sauce. I ended up using that sauce for my sirloin and rice, too.
I managed to finish everything on my plate but was stuffed beyond belief. It was definitely one of the most satisfying meals I’d enjoyed in a while.
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