Miguel's Sonora Style Cantina

In the rapidly growing town of Corona, new restaurants are cropping up
everywhere. Success came easy for Miguel's Jr., which opened in 1975 and
is now one of the towns biggest assets. Goodness knows I'd feel fortunate
to have one in my town with amazing shredded beef tacos and chile
rellanos, but for those who'd rather slow down the pace, there's Miguels
Sonora Style & Cantina, the first of the Miguel's chain which opened in
1973. It's attractive mission-like exterior can't help, but be noticed, even
from the freeway. Since I've been a huge Miguel's Jr. fan for nearly two
decades, I was thrilled to find that this larger, attractive establishment was
an affiliate. Inside was unexpectedly white, and anything but cozy, with
the biggest problem being the lighting which, as my husband describes it,
"looks like florescent lighting in an office with half the bulbs burned out".
I'm shocked they haven't taken notice and put some candles on the tables
by now. The cantina, on the other hand, looked right up my alley, dark and
full of personality, with live Latin music so close it steals away any
conversation. Don't be surprised if you find yourself staying in here far
longer than intended, a Purple Cadillac and a bowl of their Pico de Gallo will
nearly hold you hostage. Their Sangria is another force to be reckoned
with. The red wine and maraschino cherry flavors are amazing together,
but so sweet that I couldn't drink it for any length of time, and the Pico de
Gallo is nearly worth the trip alone! Don't mistake it for the salsa they
serve with their warm, complimentary chips in the dining area, you have to
request this addicting bowl of fresh chopped onions, jalapenos, onions and
tomatoes. Add an order of their freshly made Large Guacamole and there's
hardly anything more you'll need! The Coctel De Camaron, another of their
appetizer offerings, was good, but looked more than it really was served in
a large martini glass, with elusive curled shrimps hiding in a watery tomato
sauce that mostly went to waste. The Miguel's Caesar Salad tossed in a
cilantro ranch dressing seemed like a healthy choice but was mostly
romaine lettuce topped with a few avocado slices and scant amounts of
pepitas and cotija cheese. This made me regret passing up my other
favorites. I've had to go through a couple of other mediocre entrees before
finding their treasures, the Three Cheese Chile Rellano was one of them.
The fresh chiles here were far too firm, and didn't even compare to their
drive-thru version. The De La Casa (chicken and beef fajitas) was so piled
high with onions and peppers that digging through it all to find the meat
seemed ridiculous. A much better choice was the Cabo Taco's with
battered cod settled into soft corn tortillas, without a trace of fishy.
Unfortunately the sauce could have made more of a statement. Most
impressive was the Seared Pork Ribs which were nearly falling off the bone
and drenched in a deep dark unsweetened chocolate sauce. It's rival, the
Carnitas, are about the best I've ever had, with big chunks of moist pork
roast topped with finely chopped onions and cilantro. Accompanying their
entrees are their wonderful Refried Beans, but be sure to ask for them or
you'll end up with the unmashed variety. If by the end of your meal you're
not needing to loosen the top button of your pants, then send yourself over
the edge with their densely rich Kaluah Mousse Cake which is really more
like pie in a chocolate cookie crust, set on a plate with careless squirts of
chocolate syrup. There's hardly a better place for the family to dine
together than Miguel's Restaurant, the food is so enjoyable, light those
candles and you'd hardly keep me away!

Prices: Three Cheese Chile Rellano $13.99, Cabo Tacos & Coctail de
Camaron $9.49, Large Guacamole $5.99,

Fajitas $12.49, Carnitas $14.99

Located at 1920 Frontage Road in Corona

Telephone (909) 520-8911

Website: www.miguelsrestaurant.com