Okay, the alcohol is coming. Crowds probably, too. They just opened on 1/12/2006. And we went there the next day. The dinner menu lists 4 seafood cockteles between $7-8. Antojitos (tacos, taquitos and other snacky-appetizers), $1.50-6. Salads, $6-8. Soups, $5-6. Large plates range from $11-16, with several fish dishes, shrimp, pork, chicken, several steaks, short ribs, and a plato vegetariano. Thursday is pasole day.

We started with the queso oaxaco and chorizo, which came with fresh, hot, just-made tortillas. Yum. So good that it ought to come with a warning label. The whole roasted fish came, and it was gorgeous as well as humongous. It was perch, tender and delicate and sweet, its skin so beautifully brown, and its flesh so pearly white. I'm not a fan of fish, but I'm ordering that next time. The shrimp in mojo de ajo (garlic sauce) were also gorgeous, subtle and garlicy, and accompanied by rice and a small salad of lettuce, radish, red onion, and avocado in a light, limey dressing. So good! We watched covetously as a friend got the taquitos with broth, garbanzos, and cream, and then the short ribs. The presentation was gorgeous. The food was gorgeous.

In the end, it cost us $39 for two entrees, an antojito, and two jarritos. The meal was as good as anything we've had at Nueve or Nuestra Cucina, and certainly cheaper.

3/8: they have alcohol now. And here's my experience at brunch (yum).

Other Press:

• The True Tortilla: Autentica lives up to its name with real-deal Mexican eats
  
  Ivy Manning, Willamette Week, 3/15/2006