The perfect Mexican food for me has been a life long pursuit.

Starting at the beginning, homemade tacos with hard shells. Originally consisting of only meat and cheese and occasionally mild Old El Paso taco sauce. Eventually, the addition of tomatoes, lettuce, medium and hot sauces and salsa's, and sour cream came to be the norm.

Next came Chi Chi's. It was here that I was introduced to Chimichanga's and all of their deep fried glory. Also, I once had a birthday dinner here with the singing and take home sombrero. Soon after, Taco Bell came into the picture. What first started out with Taco Supreme and Nacho Supreme eventually graduated to Chili Cheese Burrito's, MexiMelts (no fiesta), and Nachos Bell Grande.

The latest stop on my Mexican culinary journey has been the "authentic" restaurants. I had dinner tonight at La Fiesta.

Upon being seated, our drink orders were taken, and chips and salsa brought out. After looking the extensive menu up and down more than once I finally chose my dinner. I ordered the Pollo Mexicano and a Tamale.

The Pollo Mexicano consists of to generously seasoned chicken breasts, the three amigos of tomato, bell pepper, and onion with a side of beans and rice. The chicken was very flavorful and moist. i would love to know what kind of seasoning they use.

The three amigos stole my heart though. They were so excellently prepared, I could almost consider becoming a vegetarian. The acidic tomatoes, the slightly bitter bell peppers, and the sweetness of the caramelized onions danced around on my tongue.

As much as I loved the Pollo Mexicano, the real winner of tonight's meal was the Tamale. It came out very unassuming on a green plate. The Tamale of ground beef and masa wrapped in corn husk was covered in what I guess to be enchilada sauce and cheese. When I took my first bite fireworks exploded. Angel's sang. The world was at peace for those few moments.

Now, just so you know, I have never had a Tamale before, so I had no idea what to expect flavor wise. Also, just so you know, I have never been to Mexico. Yet, this Tamale HAS to be what Mexico tastes and smells like. I imagine that this flavor and scent just floats through the air like summertime grills waft wherever the may go here in the USA.

This was quite possibly the best meal I have ever had at La Fiesta.

Just remember.

Try the Tamale.