W hen the weekly rotation of dining halls and Frist grows unbearably repetitive, Princeton students willing to break out their wallets have a variety of dining options in town. From Indian to Italian, French to Japanese, the local cuisine is decidedly international in keeping with the University itself. In the past, however, Mexican food seemed a world away. Tortuga's Mexican Village is near the University Medical Center at Princeton, far down on Witherspoon Street, and you need a car to reach On the Border on Route 1. Finally, students can rejoice: Kaliente Mexican Grille has opened just a short walk away.
Opened over the summer by the owners of Kalluri Corner, Kaliente is located between that restaurant and Thai Village, across from the ever-popular Ivy Garden. But while Thai Village and Ivy Garden have cornered the market for large, often rowdy, late-night dinner parties, Kaliente is a fantastic spot for a casual date or meal with a small group of friends.
The decor is typical of many Mexican restaurants: The walls are painted in cheery shades of yellow and green, and the basic tables and chairs are suitably comfortable. Outdoor seating is available while the weather is good, and music adds to the ambience.
Upon entering, my friend and I approached the counter and examined the menu overhead, which is simple but comprehensive. After choosing from burritos, ensaladas de burrito (a tortilla-less burrito), tacos, quesadillas or enchiladas, we selected a filling (chicken, steak, pork, shredded beef or, for the vegetarians, no meat) and a salsa. Conveniently, each meal also comes with a few chips — perfect for those who typically (and regrettably) gorge on the entire basket before the entree — and a small serving of refried beans. Larger side servings of chips with salsa or guacamole and beans and rice are also available.
I chose the classic chicken quesadillas, stuffed with avocados and chicken inside a cheesy, gooey tortilla. The quesadillas were easy to eat without making a mess, and the portion was generous, leaving me pleasantly full at the end of the meal. Most importantly, the ingredients were wonderfully fresh, a delight considering both the low price ($6.15) and the offerings at some nearby restaurants. My friend enjoyed the beef ensalada de burrito, a great choice for those trying to avoid carbs.
Though the food is generally pretty good, its "specialty items" at the end of the menu are what distinguishes Kaliente. Borrowing from Kalluri Corner, Kaliente also serves a small selection of Indian dishes, making it something of a hybrid restaurant. Samosas, khatti rolls and chatt are all available, and my friend and I chose to share the samosa chatt in addition to our entrees. The dish complemented the quesadillas with its judicious use of spices and herbs, adding texture to the meal. With no room left for dessert, the meal was less than $20 for two people, and we still had plenty of leftovers. With great, fresh food at low prices, Kaliente is a welcome addition to Princeton, providing a much needed Mexican restaurant with a twist.
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