El Danzante (Kingston, NY)

Absence makes the heart grow fonder.

Sunday M and I decided to meet up in Kingston, since it's the halfway point between our respective places. I worked there for a time, and I vaguely remember some decent places to eat.

What I didn't know, was that nothing goes on in Kingston on Sundays.

Nada. Zero. Zip.

Crap.

We drove around a bit and found a Mexican place that was open. Actually M was drawn to a sign mentioning "Tequilaville" or a tequila bar. Him and his liquor. I turned the car around and we went in... surprise, surprise... it's been Zagat rated.

The place was empty, which was a relief. Soon after being seated, our server brought over chips and salsa, along with our drinks. The salsa was a little watery, but still good. We tore through it as we looked over the menu. They have a dinner special which come with your choice of a soup or salad and dessert. I went with that picked the Carne Asada, which is a piece each of grilled chicken, beef, and seasoned pork. The soup of the day was black bean so I went with a salad instead.

The grilled meats were served with yellow rice, refried beans, cucumber salad, and some sliced avocado. I really liked the beef and pork, but the chicken was on the dry side. The seasoning on the pork was only slightly spicy. The rice was tasteless, and the salad was lukewarm, thanks to being stuck under the hot meat. Needless to say the only thing I touched on my plate was the meats.

M went with nachos (minus the chili), and a grilled vegetable quesadilla. The nachos were pretty good, and I tried my best not to eat so much of it. I didn't try the quesadilla, but M finished all of it. I'll take it that it was well liked.

Dessert was very simple, and ended the meal on a good note. Fried plantains drizzled with a sugar syrup and topped with a scoop of ice cream. I don't think it was Vanilla, but something much much better. I should have asked what it was, but that + plantain + syrup = gooood.

I have a feeling we'll be going back to El Danzante again, especially given the fact that both our free time is becoming non-existant. Waaaah, damn long distance.