I was invited to attend the media preview night of Solita Tacos & Margaritas prior to the Grand Opening. My meal was comped and I received a restaurant gift card for a return visit. All opinions are entirely my own, as are the photos.
There is a huge foodie population in Santa Clarita, the town where I live. You wouldn’t think it since there really aren’t all that many restaurants that aren’t considered part of a chain. The really awesome restaurants (and we do have some) are usually tucked away in some super secret location that you would never know about unless you followed the right group on Facebook or got a personal recommendation from someone who lives here.
That said, there are also some spots in town where absolutely nothing really works out. There is one particular place at the Valencia Town Center where there have been two Mexican restaurants that failed miserably. When we all heard there was yet another Mexican place getting ready to open, you can understand the hesitation. Then Solita Tacos & Margaritas opened on November 18, 2014.
The story of how Solita came about is almost as amazing as their food. In a nutshell, two friends wanted to start a restaurant that served the incredibly fresh Mexican fare they fell in love with while surfing in Baja Mexico. While searching for Mexican cookbooks in Barnes & Noble, they came across the exact one they were looking for - ¡Baja! Cooking on the Edge, by Chef Deborah Schneider. Deb’s fresh Mexican food ideas were exactly what they wanted and a partnership was born. The first Solita opened in Huntington Beach and we are so glad they chose Valencia to open Solita Tacos & Margaritas.
As part of the “in” crowd in town (I say that will a hint of sarcasm, because I’m really NOT part of the “in” crowd) I was invited to the media preview night. This was the very first time the staff was serving ANY customers and I was both excited and nervous. I really, really wanted this place to be a hit. I shouldn’t have worried so much.
When you walk into the restaurant, you are greeted by the massive bar area. It’s really stunning. You will be able to order all your favorite cocktails, but Solita has some extra special ones you might want to try… their Skinny Margarita was one of the best margaritas I’ve EVER had. Not sure why they call it “skinny” because it tasted amazing. They also have a Guava Margarita and a Watermelon Margarita. These are not the watered down drinks you are used to… there is plenty of tequila in these drinks. You will be feeling it after just one. Make sure to dine out with a designated driver. You’ll thank me later.
The drinks are only slightly overshadowed by the array of menu selections. This is NOT your typical Mexican restaurant. Sure, you’ll find burritos and tacos and quesadillas on the menu, but I can guarantee they won’t taste like any other you’ve had. Head Chef Deb had one focus: the freshest ingredients possible. The entire philosophy of the restaurant is to bring you the authentic cuisine you will find in Baja. I’ve been to Baja and had the food there. THIS IS IT!
Not only is the food pretty amazing, the plating is a work of art. The corn… OMG… just get it. Really. It’s incredible. Something to consider… there is a lot on the menu that is rather spicy, so if you have issues with that, make sure you ask your server to tame it down or have him/her suggest some less spicy options. And if you DO like your food hot and spicy… you will be VERY happy. Want to add even more spice? Yep… you can do that to.
When you sit down at your table, you will be served a basket of tortilla chips and something they call duros. Not 100% sure what these are, but they are SO addicting. I want a whole basket of duros please. Another suggestion I recommend you try is the copa de frutas. This appetizer has a selection of cucumber, jicama, seasonal fruit, lime & chile con limon. This is seriously the perfect starter to your meal. The combination of fruit and spice is perfect.
Other favorite appetizers were the tequila shrimp & avocado sundae and the queso al forno. I don’t even know how to describe these two recipes. Picture all the flavors you love all rolled up into one. I can just order appetizers and drinks and be perfectly happy at Solita. But really… you gotta try the tacos.
Tacos… what can I say? There are so many varieties to try and every single one of them we sampled was incredible. I’m not normally a taco person, but the flavors that blended in each of them were so unique and delicious. Shrimp, chicken, beef, fish… everyone will find something they love.
Did we like Solita? We did! So much so that I took my husband back for our anniversary a few days ago. And… I’m taking my book club friends back for our monthly book club dinner. All the more special this month because it’s our Holiday Dinner (we do presents!).
I know there have been a ton of reviews flying around about Solita… and I haven’t seen a negative one yet. I don’t expect to. Santa Clarita is so happy the owners chose our city to open up this taste treat.
Even though I’ve been there, my mouth still waters in anticipation from your review and pics. And that queso dip…OMG!!
I know… I’m thinking about it too.