El Jimador Mexican Restaurant in Belmont

[Whimsey]

Went to El Jimador last night around 7:30 pm. A short wait, but not bad. Bigger inside than I expected. Food is excellent and we will definitely be back.

Need to work out some service issues though. The authentic Mexican waitress seemed stressed and had some issues, which I will chalk up to a language barrier/inexperience/a full house. She asked if we wanted drinks, we said we'd like some wine and asked if there was a wine list. She said yes... but did we want a drink first? We did get the wine list but it really was a margarita/liquor menu. Turns out wine is only by the glass. I ordered a Shiraz, and the waitress pleasantly asked if I wanted that on the rocks. I smiled and replied that straight up would be fine.

The entrees arrived promptly. In fact before our appetizers. We said never mind about the appetizer now...and that she did. Although it was on the check. Fortunately a neighboring waitress named Emma sensed that there were some issues, came to our rescue several time during dinner.

Now this could have been one of those cringe-inducing experiences, but the chips/salsa and entrees were excellent (as was the straight up Shiraz). We laughed it off and agreed we would come back...but maybe ask for one of Emma's tables.

I think this place will be a keeper.