Bonito Michoacan

Las Vegas overflows with Mexican restaurants.  What sets Bonito Michoacan apart from others is the extensive menu selections, high quality, and authenticity in cuisine presented by the Barajas family--Timo, wife Lourdes, and brother Javier.

The ambiance lacks the decor characteristic of Mexican restaurants, but more than compensates with cuisine that is colorful, festive, tasty, and exciting with both the heartiness of peasant fare and the refinement of haute cuisine. Service is friendly and informative; our server promptly displayed a broad smile while describing the food of her heritage.

Forget tacos, tostadas and tamales--in Mexico these are snack foods. Bonito Michoacan's five page menu tempts the eyes, illuminates the mind, and excites the palate.  Botanas (appetizers) includes quesadillas, flautas, gorditos, ceviche, and nopelitos. Don't miss the coctales de mariscos (seafood cocktail mix of shrimp, oysters, and octopus in a gazpacho-style sauce flavored with clam juice and served with a chopped tomato, cucumber, celery, onion, and cilantro salsa).  Arguably the best in Vegas, the nopalitos (Mexican cactus pads with onions, cilantro, tomatoes, and jalapenos) is also a good choice.

Especialidades de carne, de pollo, y del mar (meat, chicken, and seafood dinners) are enhanced with the flavors of chiles, spices, herbs, and sauces in the authentic Mexican technique of cooking.  Contrary to popular belief, Mexican food does not have to be hot--seasoning can be delicate or bold, but always flavorful. Bonito Michoacan prepares all meals in vegetable shortening--no lard in ever used.  All dinners are served with sopa de fideos (vermicelli soup), rice, and beans.

I highly recommend the Pollo Amador, chicken breast marinated in a recipe of Timo's Uncle Amador and including the subtle flavoring of the anchiote seed, fresh garlic, onions, whole peppers, and vinegar.  Equally as delectable are the chili rellenos (which are baked rather than fried) and may be ordered separately or combined with a chicken enchilada and beef taco. They are probably the best in Las Vegas.

In Mexico, soup is an important part of the comida (the large meal at the end of the day), and Bonito Michoacan is no exception--it serves Michocan-style menudo (tripe soup) every Saturday and Sunday.  Menudo is traditionally served on the eve of Christmas and New Years, and is believed to be a preventative medicine for hangovers (but is regularly enjoyed anytime).

Bonito Michoacan has a full bar service and offers its famous margaritas.  This is Mexican cuisine at its best and return visits are required to savor the variety.

Price are reasonably inexpensive, with appetizers averaging $6.75 and entrees $11.95.  Bonito Michoacan is located at 4485 South Jones Boulevard (at Harmon Avenue) on the second floor (accessed via glass elevator or stairs). Please call (702) 257-6810 for reservations.