I’m not going to lie. Celinda’s Mexican Deli is not modern, trendy or chic; but locals know it’s the best authentic Mexican food in the area.
My family and I have been eating at Celinda’s since it opened in the early 90’s. Rancho Santa Margarita was still in the early stages of development and there weren’t many restaurants around. I discovered Celinda’s purely by mistake.
I was in Empresa Plaza making a run to the post office when I felt my blood sugar begin to drop. As usual I had been busy running around and had forgotten to eat. I saw the big red sign for Celinda’s and made a mad dash for the door.
There were only three people in the order-at-the-counter restaurant and none of them were customers. Red Flag! Red Flag! But I realized I didn’t have much of a choice. I needed to eat and I needed to eat immediately. I ordered a carne asada Mexi Rice Bowl from a beautiful middle-aged woman and crossed my fingers. Within a few minutes my order was ready and I carried my red cafeteria tray over to a small table and sat down in the less-than-impressive dining area.
I’ve got to say that I couldn’t have been more surprised when I took my first bite. The Mexi Bowl that I mistakenly likened to Del Taco-fare was layered with carne asada, spanish rice, black beans, and jack cheese. And the salsa! The salsa was by far the best salsa that I’ve ever tasted. That’s saying a lot because I am a salsa connoisseur. I would be perfectly happy to eat chips and salsa for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
I was so impressed by the salsa that when I had finished my meal, I went to the counter to purchase some chips and salsa to take home. I told the woman at the counter that I wanted to tell the owner that his salsa was the best that I’d ever had. She laughed softly and said, “I am Celinda. Thank you.” I told her that I was surprised that there were so few customers but she smiled again and told me that business was good – I had just wandered in between crowds.
Now, after years of standing in line at Celinda’s, I know she was telling the truth. Celinda’s has three rush-hours every day. The morning crowd stands in line for breakfast burritos & tacos, huevos rancheros, huevos con chorizo and huevos revuelotos con carne – and many take orders to go. The lunch and dinner crowd can order from the menu or opt for one of the delicious daily specials.
My youngest son goes to school just down the street from Celinda’s. Every afternoon when I pick him up from school the first words out of his mouth are, “Hi Mom, can we go to Celinda’s?” As much as I love Mexican food, I don’t make it a practice to eat out every day. My son would be perfectly content to do so. He always asks for Celinda’s gift certificates for his birthday and Christmas.
Celinda’s continues to be my favorite authentic Mexican food restaurant. The interior decor and wall murals have spruced up the appearance, but Celinda’s remains largely unchanged since my first visit over fifteen years ago. Celinda is still as charming and friendly as when I first met her and she still makes a point of coming over to say “hello” each time we’re there.
If you absolutely love Mexican food you’ve got to stop by and try Celinda’s…and don’t forget to take home some chips, salsa and guacamole for later!
Celinda’s is located at 29941 Aventura (Empresa Plaza), RSM 92688