Palapa

I was just sitting here at work, bored and hungry, when I started thinking about Palapa, which is probably my favorite Mexican restaurant ever. How do I love thee? Let me count the ways:

• Live mariachi band on Friday nights
• Fish tacos are muy delicioso
• You can choose between red rice and green rice
• ...and between beans and grilled vegetables
• Nice selection of refrescos and liquados
• Sitting on the outdoor patio makes you feel like you're at a real fiesta
• On Saturdays, a nice lady will bring you a freshly cooked, homemade tortilla filled with cheese as a free appetizer
• Has the distinction of being the only place where I have seen TJ defeated by the level of spiciness in his dish (they don't call it camarones a la diabla for nothing)

Obviously, how can anyone not love this place, right? Out of curiosity I checked out the customer reviews on santabarbara.com. One person complained about his taco being full of salsa and cilantro (psst, maybe you should stick to Taco Bell) and someone else was bothered by the restaurant's "seat yourself" policy. Just when I thought people couldn't get any more ridiculous, I came across this gem:

I found it insulting and rude to have a Mexican flag stuck in my food

Yeah, the nerve of this Mexican restaurant to use a Mexican toothpick flag as a garnish on Mexican food. Is this guy serious?

I happen to like the little Mexican flags.