¡Ole!: One word says it all for this Mexican eatery (Originally published 6/06)

Here in New England, we are about as north of the border as you can get without dealing with yet another border. That is why it is such a relief to find authentic Mexican ‘round these parts.

Tucked just off restaurant-laden Cambridge Street is one such place.

As soon as you enter the street-side doors, you sense it. From the authentic art and artifacts on the red and yellow mottled walls to the hammered tin ceiling tiles and their ceramic table-top counterparts, the place looks like it was yanked from the Yucatan (if the Yucatan also offered a marble-topped bar and views of Inman Square, that is). And if you want a quieter place to dine, just head around back, past the glassed-in kitchen, to the subdued reds and blacks of the rear room, complete with its own bar and gas fireplace.

But looks are just the beginning!

As diners sip on any one (or even a flight) of the Grill’s over 40 tequilas and margaritas, their ample beer selection (including plenty of Mexican brews, of course), or the slightly less broad wine selection (which includes sweet and tangy fresh sangria), a slender cart winds its way amongst the cozily-packed tables brining freshly-ground guacamole ($9) on demand. Other bocaditos (starters) include un ensalada de greens, chile strips, queso fresco, slivered almonds, and corn tortilla squares in a creamy avocado-citrus dressing ($6.50), chicken broth with chile and tomato puree, chicken, avocado, and cream ($5.50), traditional dumpling-style quesadillas ($7.60), or, for those who either can’t decide or want to try something new (see tequila flights above), a sampler plate of traditional Mexican favorites ($11.50).

When it is time for the main course, diners can continue to taste and try out with help from the extensive tapas menu, which includes selections such as sea scallops sautéed in olive oil with green chiles and roasted garlic ($9.80), slow-roasted goat with dried avocado leaves ($9.50), banana leaf-wrapped pork tacos ($11.50), or chicken enchiladas ($10.60 per pair). For those who want more of one thing, there are also platillos tradicionales like sushi-grade tuna steak tacos with tomatillo avocado sauce, cilantro, and chopped radish ($19.90), roasted half duck with mole sauce, organic baby spinach, and butter nut squash ($21.90), and grilled diced chicken enchiladas with Mexican rice and black beans, crema fresca and pico de gallo ($14.70) or house specialties like a 10 oz. sirloin steak with peppers and onions and pinto beans ($20.65), sautéed tiger shrimp in garlic, olive oil, and tomato salsa ($19.50), and almost too-tender pork ribs with a peanut-honey glaze and smashed red bliss potatoes ($20). In addition to the included sides, fried plantains ($4), picked jalapenos ($2), and smoky salsa ($1.50) are also available.

Adding to the traditional feel of the place is the ample time allowed between servings to sit and savor. And that’s a good thing! Because when the dessert menu arrives, you will surely want to have room! From the highly-recommended chocolate bread pudding to a buttery-sweet flan, there are plenty of delicious pastels to complete your meal- and ALL for $6! And to wash it all down, the Grill also offers flavored coffees (including Olé’s own house blend), espresso, and tea.

So if you are hankering for Mexican and do not have time to fly all the way to Mexico, try Olé. It is muy bueno!

Olé Mexican Grill

11 Springfield Street, Cambridge, MA

617 492 4495

www.olegrill.com