A bowl of guacamole was ordered at $4.25 along with the beef/bean nachos. It was among the most expensive starters, but the overly large serving, impeccably fresh, came studded with tomato chunks and onions, and was more than enough to last through two rounds of chips.
As if to compensate, we ordered a corn Quesadilla for $1.25, a warm corn tortilla folded and filled to capacity with three cheeses and a creamy spoil of soothing sour cream. That would be enough, but there were also neat garnishes of diced cabbage, sweet jicama slices and peppery radishes.
The rest of the menu stretches to over two dozen items, with at least a couple of daily additions. Soft tacos filled with marinated char-grilled beef ($1.25) or fried fish ($1.75); large burritos stuffed with pork in a tomatillo sauce ($4.25): tortas (sandwiches) with grilled chicken, avocado and lettuce ($4.50); or crisp vegetarian tostados ($3.25). A healthy appetite drew me toward the combination plates that included a choice of two sides (beans, rice or vegetables).
I ordered the Flautas ($7.95), heavy twin flour tortillas filled with shredded chicken, open rolled and deep-fried. They came hot, hot, hot, light and without a trace of grease. The filling of abundant chicken was moist and full of flavor, each one topped with a wide swath of avocado sauce for a refreshing and unobtrusive match- absolutely addictive.
After that high, the order of cheese enchiladas ($6.95) baked in a smoky red sauce didn't fare so well, but in their own right they were still generous and delicious. With the preponderance on Cape of prepackaged quick Mex, Ay! Caramba's commitment to freshness and taste stands out.
The staff is warm and enthusiastic for a product they can stand behind. There is coffee but on this night no desserts were offered, though there are plans to introduce a limited but consistent list very soon. We managed to still enjoy what felt like a full and diverse dinner for two, and for under $30 that's smiles all around.