nena's

under the influence of converging circumstances, found myself back in the central valley last week (does CCR's "stuck in lodi again" sound appropriate???), and so took the opportunity, as I always do, to visit...

nena's mexican restaurant, stockton, ca

when it comes to authentic mexican food, and this is the real deal, (as opposed to the wimpy, garden-variety, americanized fare found in most chains and many other mexican cafes) this little establishment in stockton, california, may be the paramount mexican restaurant in all of northern california, if not the whole state...
understandably, one might find few reasons to venture into this gritty valley city, but this optimal dining experience would merit such an adventure...
here you can partake in a extensive menu of traditional items, but the premier don't-leave-without-trying specialities are the homemade flour tortillas (as you watch, these are actually made to order on an open grill by the tortilla lady), the chiles relleno with cream sauce (her forte), birria, pork burrito, soft chicken tacos, bistec toluqueno, and a very special flan...
singling out a few items doesn't do justice to the ample menu, but time and space constraints limit reviewing every element - rest assured, everything is terrific and everything is very authentic (not for the tenuous diner, you will know you had mexican once you've finished your plate)...

maria elena reyes
going on twenty years now, the owner, maria elena "nena" reyes, source of all those great recipies, consistently greets her customers with a warm, sparkling smile and a big hug (and the hugs are good)...
she is invariably at the front reception area and hustles around the restaurant, assisting with all of the operational chores, from bussing tables to delivering orders, taking special requests and making sure her customers are treated like royalty...
so, the next time you find yourself in the great central valley around mealtime, craving a mexican breakfast, lunch or dinner, check the link at the top of the first picture and treat yourself to the best...

p.s. did I mention "hearty portions"???