Flying Down to Rio

Few restaurants hit their target as well as at 330 Connecticut Ave. in Norwalk.  One of the most family friendly restaurants there is, Rio has something for everyone.  We have gone there for many years and each and every time, the experience is one that leaves you feeling complete. 

The restaurant is laid out as a series of closely placed tables which creates an atmosphere reminiscent of a real cantina.  The pictures on the wall will challenge the identification skills of the most serious movie and TV buff. 

We never talk drinks, so let’s do that.  The bar at Rio is well stocked and a pitcher of Margaritas is perhaps the best thing on a Friday night.  The extent of the selection of tequilas is downright amazing … many more than I (or the average bear) will ever even attempt to try in a lifetime.  The mixologists get it right, and on the rocks or frozen, the adults in the party won’t be disappointed.

I am a true connoisseur of nachos.  The chips they give you up front are a tease.  Mine need to be covered in cheese and jalapenos.  The Rio Nacho is rich, plentiful and a treat.  They are what I call “messy” nachos and are all about the cheese, chicken and chip combination.  The crowd will roar and attack the plate from all sides.

For me, Mexican food is all about the burrito.  I cannot think of a more versatile modality (ok, yes, I am watching Web Therapy.  Subscribe to Showtime.  It is worth it) than the burrito.  La Bomba is (can I really get away with saying this?) the bomb.  A bit of a commitment to eat, it might be a better idea to let the kids split one—it is just that big.  I like the variety in the filling and the beans and rice on the side work for me. 

All of the varieties of burritos, fajitas and quesadillas are made with the freshest beef and chicken, grilled just right.  This is not assembly line food.  You get the feeling that each plate is made to order and you are probably right.  There is never an issue with asking for extra tortillas or a side or an accommodation for the kids.  In my mind, that is a make or break issue, and the staff at Rio goes the extra mile for the kids. 

The kicker for the kids has to be the mariachis.  Given the cantina feel, you need mariachis.  The artists that have performed here over time have really been a great group.  On any given night as they pass from table to table, getting the kids involved with maracas, etc., they can make the entire experience worthwhile without the food.  Add in the tequila and yes, you have a party.  Add Guantanamera and you will be looking for Jose’ Marti to walk through the door.

I went for the straight up tacos last week and they were just like mom used to make.  A good plate of three hard shell tacos, with perfectly seasoned ground beef and plenty of lettuce, tomato and cheese.  There are salads, including an impressive taco salad—but, well, if I start eating them, I will be putting a cardiologist somewhere out of work, and we don’t want to do that.  Let’s just say there is enough that is green at Rio to please anyone.

Any good meal ends with another margarita, or, uh, maybe dessert, too.  The Sopapillas are my favorite.  As Jerry Seinfeld said, “Anytime anyone says, "Oh, this is so good. What's in it?" The answer invariably comes back, 'cinnamon.'”  Add vanilla ice cream and you have captured my heart.  Pam is a flan fan and it seems like flan never disappoints.  Helado frito is fun, but just not something I am overly crazy about. 

The wait staff and bartenders are all top notch and hard working.  I have never hard a service related issue at Rio, and that says something.  It is a great any time restaurant … any meal, any day, they will always have a smile and a burrito for you.  The best part about Rio, though, is that it is quintessentially local, and you just never know who you will run into when you go there, and that is fun.