Dining Pick of the Week: Cantina Laredo

PICK OF THE WEEK:

CANTINA LAREDO

Tivoli Village, 430 S. Rampart Blvd., 702-202-4511

Here's a Mexico City-style restaurant, which means a more contemporary and adventurous menu. Enchiladas Veracruz are made with chicken, spinach and Monterey Jack before being topped with tomatillo sauce, marinated vegetables and queso fresco. Other enchiladas have shrimp, avocado, asparagus and ground beef with chili con carne. Specialties include chile relleno with a picadillo filling of beef, almonds and raisins; fajitas; Pescado del Dia (fish of the day); carne asada, grilled steak with mushrooms, peppers, shrimp and onions; and Fiesta de la Parrilla fajita with shrimp, quail, braised pork shank, beef and chicken. There are ahi tuna tacos, flautas, ceviche marinated in lime juice and salads such as chicken and mango with jicama, pumpkin seeds, grapes and mint in honey vinaigrette. Sunday brunch specials (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) include a complimentary Mimosa or Bloody Maria, with entrees including crab cakes Benedict, huevos rancheros, steak and eggs, and chicken fajita omelet. Several desserts are Mexican apple pie, flan and mango tres leches, which is vanilla cake with mango cream sauce. Happy hour is from 4 to 7 p.m. and 9 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Enchiladas plates during lunch start at $8.35. Cantina Laredo is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

- Jack Bulavsky