Back on February 1, 2009 I visited Sabor and fell in love. First to review and all that jazz. This was a local restaurant unlike any other. It was authentically colonial Mexican food. The kind of food that you found at more formal sit down restaurants deep in the heart of Mexico. It instantly reminded me of my travels to San Miguel Allende, years ago.
The service was great, the decor was amazing, and the food was legit. Quickly, I told all of my friends that they had to try this type of food for themselves. Sure, Tortas in Newhall is authentic, but this is a completely different type of authentic. Mike reported having a great meal there. Hsiawen did not like it. Carrie still does not like it, and neither does R.E. These were the specials today. Filete de Huachinango en salsa pipian? In Valencia? Wow!
I had not been back to Sabor in many months. Maybe around 5 months. I just got too busy, and my work schedule did not allow me to go there for lunch anymore. Plus, I work across town. This is not a weekly place by any means…because it isn’t cheap. It’s actually kind of expensive…I also think I was reluctant because the 5 or 6 times I had eaten there were fantastic! What if it had gone downhill since then? I wasn’t ready for the disappointment.
Today I found myself out and about and hungry. I also found myself at the Bridgeport Marketplace. And the next thing I knew, I was seated in one of those comfy booths.
My waiter was the same guy (Luis) I had back in Februrary and subsequent visits. He was as nice and polite as before. Already this was a good sign! Within minutes of being seated I had warm chips and fresh salsa at my table. Fantastic!
There was great detail taken in every aspect of this restaurant, from the decor (some of which was actually shipped in from Mexico) to the plates and even the glasses they serve the drinks in. No detail was overlooked. Even the menus represent Mexican leather artistry.
In fact, when I walked in I saw this display by the door full of marigolds, which is the typical flower used for Day of the Dead celebrations.
I love Mexican cheese. You know this. So when I saw quesillo on the menu, I had to try it. It was served with decorative tostadas and green chile sauce, and cost $8. Would I order this again? Probably not, but I did eat most of it. It was just okay. Chonchis noted a chemical taste. I also noted an odd taste, but figured it was just the sauce or something.
When it came time to decide on what my main dish would be, it was a tough call. I’ve had the enchiladas, the carne estilo Puebla, and ceviche. However, today I decided to go with what I had ordered back in February during my very first visit, which was the arrachera. It was priced at $21 which is really steep for lunch…
The arrachera and the appetizer were served with freshly made (warm) handmade tortillas. These tortillas are really good, and you can really taste the authenticity, however they only serve you two tortillas at a time…
My arrachera was excellent. It was cooked perfectly and it had great flavor. It was probably better than the first time I had tried it. Excellent! Really, this was AWESOME!
It is served with rice, beans, guacamole, and rajas con cebollas y crema. I don’t like peppers, so I did not eat it or taste it. Chonchis tried it and she did not like it. She really enjoys rajas con crema, so this was major!
We had two completely opposite lunch experiences today. I liked my food, Chonchis did not. She ordered a tortilla soup that came out cold, but I think she liked her chiles rellenos. When I said that I really enjoyed my meal, she was quick to point out that all I really liked off my lunch plate was the meat, as I did not eat the rice and beans or the rajas. She has a point…
A lot of people complain that Sabor is really expensive, and maybe even too expensive. A couple of examples. A burrito will cost you $14. I have never ordered it or seen it, but I’m assuming it is pretty big and most people probably share it. I also do not believe they have a children’s menu. I don’t drink, but I heard people at other tables ordering beer and other drinks, so for sure that will drive up your bill. I never take a picture of the receipt, but for the sake of this post, I did.
I’m starting to agree, Sabor is expensive. Yes, the service is great, the restaurant is beautiful, my food was good, etc. Sure, I could have just ordered a taco combo, but I wanted arrachera. Even though my meat was good, it isn’t something that I could order on a weekly basis! This restaurant certainly will not be part of my weekly rotation, or even my monthly rotation. Is it a special occasion place? Yes, probably. I could come back just for enchiladas, but then I wouldn’t feel it was worth coming here JUST for enchiladas. Does that make sense?
They have a really nice outdoor seating area which provides a great ambience. I still like Sabor. I really do. I still believe that the cuisine is the most authentically Mexican in Valencia, and perhaps Santa Clarita. I have yet to find another local place that is serving authentically colonial Mexican food, and this is a nice addition to have so close to home. It just isn’t as accessable to everyone, price wise. If I am going to spend almost $30 for my meal, then I rather go to Ciudad or somewhere else in LA.
Sabor Cocina Mexicana
23953 Newhall Ranch RdValencia, CA 91355
(661) 259-9002
FYI: There is no catus in rajas con crema.
Rajas con crema , when done right is a dish that I really enjoy. However, Sabor’s rajas con crema is more like onions with cheese, LOTS of big chunks of onions. Not good.
I feel like they had made some changes in their food preparation and ingredients, my last visit was not even close to what I experienced he first time that I ate there.
Nice review!
~Rachael’s Mom
Thanks for the correction. Shows how little I know about food!
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This is our favorite restaurant! We meet friends here for brunch or dinner, do quick lunches and always return for such delicious agave margaritas. Your pictures are so beautiful! Try the vegie burrito and of course, the best soup; Chicken tortilla that is poured fresh at your table. For dessert, we died and went to heaven when they served the chili chocolate cake. Not on the menu but a random special.
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