After being exposed to the Latin culture through salsa dancing, it is hard to stop. I find myself gravitating to every kind of Mexican, Cuban and Spanish restaurant in sight. For my birthday celebration, it was no different. It was not just strong desire, but it was a necessity. So, my friends and I ended up at the old Caliente Cab hotspot. Now, it is owned by a different guy and under a different name.

Opened only three months ago, Zapata, formerly Los Comales, is a restaurant that has an ambiance that is difficult to ignore. It is an outside seating, cabana-like restaurant, and the beer and margaritas come from the neighboring bar. Vibrant colors, sombreros, Latino music and television overwhelm the restaurant’s decor. Walking into the outside, I noticed a tribute wall to a man named General Emiliano Zapata, the man the restaurant is named after. He was a Mexican general who fought for “tierra y libertad,” or land and liberty. His playboy-like lifestyle is one that takes recognition, but his devotion to fighting for his country’s freedom is even more substantial. The owner of Zapata, Jorge Zapata, is his great-grandson.

Zapata’s vigor and energy for his restaurant and food are hard to ignore. As he serves you, his eyes light up. “Even if you don’t like it, we’ll feed you,” he said. Quite honestly, I could tell that his spirit would take a devastating turn if I did not enjoy his food. Like its name, the restaurant aims to promote a revolution of food. And, so they do. The menu is extravagant and unlike any other Mexican restaurant I’ve encountered. When ordering my food, the only item appealing enough to eat was their quesadillas. The options were chicken, steak, and just plain cheese. Since I am a little pollo loco, I had to choose the chicken. One bite and I knew I’d finish it. That isn’t all they had. From fresh Mexican cheese nachos to uniquely made Cuban sandwiches, Zapata brings back to life a little bit of Mexico City where “all of Mexico comes together in one city to [enjoy] the best mariachi, tequila and food in the nighttime.” Everything is different; every taste is delectable and after finishing my meal, I wanted more.

Horalia Razo, an employee, said “Viva Zapata,” when I asked her what her favorite dessert is. For my birthday treat, dessert was a must. With Razo’s approval, my friends and I began to indulge. Thankfully, she was right. My friend renamed it Viva Deliciosa for it was. It is a Mexican dessert filled with all Mexican desserts. Sopapilla, churros, doughnuts, white topping, chocolate, and ice cream envelop this delicious atrocity.

Verdict: The Bad� They have on-stage music. Rap was playing on the night we ate, and it is not the most appealing dinner music. On occasion, showtime tunes also play. Yikes. Salsa, latin-style music would definitely be more appropriate.

The Good� Bad music can be overlooked because the food is exquisite. Plus, the staff makes you feel like family. I will come again and again. The experience is fulfilling.