restaurant review: sabor
After hearing the news that Bristol Farms was closing, Dan and I ran over there to check it out. We didn’t realize that they were closing at 7pm now. We were starving and it was date night so we decided to try out Sabor Cocina Mexicana. We had heard mixed reviews. My neighbor and good friend told me that she loved the food and the brunch and another friend, who is a rather picky eater said he didn’t like it.
We had a fabulous meal! I must confess that I could sit and eat the chips, salsa and homemade corn tortillas all day! The made to order, hot corn tortillas are amazing and reminiscent of our trip to a restaurant in Mexico up a dirt road and under a mango tree. You know, the mom and pop out of the way, authentic Mexican restaurant where you are not sure if you can drink the water but the food is to die for.
The restaurant was packed for a Wednesday night. Although we didn’t have to wait for a table, most of the 100 seats in the restaurant were occupied. This was a good sign.
The decor in Sabor is romantic. The waiter shared with us that all the booths, tables, columns, pictures, fixtures and most everything inside was imported from Mexico. I loved the chandeliers.
Dan enjoyed a “Sabor Margarita” made with fresh juice and premium tequila. He said it was delicious and on the citrus-y side and didn’t taste too much like tequila – although by the end of the drink, he was good. The margarita was served with salt or without and in a HUGE martini glass.
Our server recommended the carne asada tacos and cochinitas pibil so we ordered both. On my plate sat three homemade tortillas covered in grilled skirt steak with a dollop of guacamole. On the side arrived spanish rice and a tortilla bowl of pinto beans. The steak was flavorful and tender and tasted wonderful with the creamy beans and rice. The marinated pork in achiote and wrapped in banana leaves , or cochinita pibil was devine and was served with tangy and sweet plantains, black beans, and white rice. YUM-O!
We couldn’t leave without trying the flan. You know me, dinner is no dinner without dessert! This fresh dense flan rocked my world. The light carmel sauce coated the creamy pudding just right. My mouth is watering as I’m remembering it.
The service was fantastic and reminded me of several of the fine restaurants we have been to down in L.A. The water glass was always full, chips and salsa refilled, waiters asking if we needed anything, and dirty plates removed as if they sensed our last sip or bite.
It was nice chatting with manager Gino and owner Mark. Leticia, Mark’s wife, owner and chef was busy in the kitchen creating masterpieces.
My only complaint is that they wouldn’t let me taste the seafood chili relleno, a special that was so popular that they put it on the regular menu. Maybe they need a tasting menu – or maybe just to allow your restaurant reviewer to try little plates of popular dishes. You know I would have written about anything that I tried!
The meal cost us $53 which included Dan’s margarita, two entree’s and one dessert. The prices are extremely reasonable and fair. There were not many kids in the restaurant. Although I’m sure kids are welcome, it was nice to have an “adult” meal with out MY kids running around!
I am looking forward to going back to Sabor. I’m anxious to try the ceviche, Tijuana Caesar salad, tortilla soup, some enchiladas and rellenos. I also want the coconut flan, tres leche cake and homemade churros.
It is so nice to see a independent restaurant in the Santa Clarita Valley busy mid-week. Please go visit Sabor and tell them that Chef Dawn sent you!
<blockquote>This week at Dawn’s Dinners I’m making Broiled Tofu with Rosemary and Mushrooms and Black Bean/Sweet Potato Soup, Lamb Tagine with Honey, Prunes, Onions and Toasted Almonds over Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Italian Beef and Macaroni Casserole. In the freezer I have braised pork shoulder with orange and fennel over brown rice, greek-style turkey and eggplant over bulger wheat or brown rice, chicken and white bean chili, butternut squash lasagna, garlic chicken paillard with brown rice pasta, apple turkey meatloaf with roasted carrots and potatoes, tamale pie, Moroccan beef over rice, hoisin pork tenderloin, split pea soup, sweet potato apple soup and pumpkin ginger soup. Each meal costs $25 and feed four. Monthly meal plans are all the craze costing as low as $100 per month for four full meals! Go to <a title=”Dawn’s Dinners” href=”http://www.chefdawn.com” target=”_blank”>my website</a> to sign up for my weekly menu newsletter and see whats cooking at Dawn’s Dinners.</blockquote>
Great review! This place is wonderful. Hubby and I go there often and just love it!
My husband and I had lunch at Sabor…I agree with Chef Dawn I truly enjoyed the food…my only complaint was that the beans tasted like they were right out of a can…not so tasty.
Awesome write up
. Cathy and I eat there whenever we have the chance. Even for Zac (our almost 15 year old) it’s a favorite 
.
I have been to Sabor twice in the last month. The first time there, I ordered the Seafood Chili Releno, LOVED it!!!! I am a creature of habit,I only order what I know IS good, but since it was my first time, I wanted to try something new. It was the BEST Chili Releno I have ever tasted next to my Grandma’s homemade! The second time I had the Cochinitas Pibil, Yummy!! Great review Dawn!