52nd City

El Mundo Latino

What used to be JaBoni's is now El Mundo Latino and having heard mucho positive feedback on the place, I made the scene for lunch on Monday.

What worked? The Craig Downs murals on the wall and the overall dark atmosphere-perfect for drinking way too many anythings. The small (really small) pre-meal plantain chips. The tap water from a plain, clear bottle and the not-much-larger than a shot glass vessels provided for drinking that water. The music from absolutely enormous speakers. The food was adequate but unremarkable.

Our server, who shall remain nameless for this story, was really the most amazing thing about the whole outing. If I described her as apathetic, I’d be implying some sort of intent and I don’t think that was the case. Exhibit one:

Diner: Can you tell me what’s in the black bean soup?
Server: It has black beans in it.

Mind you, this was not delivered in a deadpan/I’m going for the funny factor manner. Her demeanor was a delightful blend of south side disinterest and abject boredom with just a hint of surliness. Exhibit dos:

Diner: What do you have that is vegetarian?
Server: Nothing.
Diner: Could you just leave the chicken off the burrito and put vegetables on it instead?
Server: Uh. Yeah.

Yes! It was just as absurd as it reads! With every phrase or question uttered from her slack mouth, the quizzical looks around the table intensified. In retrospect, it may have been a very shrewd marketing ploy as I started to consider drinking heavily well before the entrees arrived. Brilliant! Here’s one more for the road:

Server: Are you done with your plate?
Diner: Yes. I am done.
Server: Do you want a box?
Diner: No, thank you.
Server: Should I take your plate away?