El Camino

Amy and I decided to explore some parts of Noblesville we hadn't been before and found El Camino on 10th street. We had heard good things about this Mexican restaurant and so decided to give it a try.

We went on a rainy Thursday night, so the place wasn't very crowded. We were immediately seated and given chips and salsa. The salsa was slightly watered down compared to many other Mexican restaurants I'd been to. The chips were great...nice and hot. The decor was the typical Mexican murals on the walls and the booths were pretty dated. The restaurant was well staffed however since it wasn't very crowded it made it awkward with so many employees standing around the kitchen door. I suppose it's better than the opposite of having slow service.

It's hard to turn down a margarita, no matter how cold it is outside! Amy ordered a regular strawberry frozen margarita and I had a original frozen margarita, both were made with golden tequila. Both were tasty, with a good consistency of alcohol and mix.

I ordered the steak quesadilla with no peppers.  As you can see from the picture, the tortilla was filled with steak, onion, and cheese goodness. My only complaint was the onions needed to be cut thinner. I take issue anytime a filling is bigger than the main ingredient. The dish came with a large handful of lettuce and a small dollop of guacamole. I'm a big guac fan, so I wish there was a larger serving here. For some reason there was this random tomato slice placed next to the guac. I didn't see what role this played in the meal but there it sat.

Amy had the fajita burrito which was filled with grilled chicken. She loved it! Amy said it was so nice to have truly grilled chicken that wasn't dry. Her dish also was accompanied by very fresh lettuce. No complaints with the fajita burrito.

One thing we each noticed was the silverware. Just trying to cut a piece of steak or chicken bent the handle of the silverware. This was some of the cheapest flatware I've been given at a restaurant.


Although I was critical of some elements of El Camino, Amy and I will definitely be back.

Rating: 8.6/10

797 S 10th Street
Noblesville, IN

Bubs Burgers and Ice Cream

After browsing Urbanspoon for a new place to try in the Carmel area I noticed how popular Bubs Burgers and Ice Cream seemed to be. It was also featured on Man vs. Food for their Big Ugly burger challenge. The Big Ugly is a one pound burger, by the number of small photos on the wall,  many are able to take. The more Big Uglys you can eat the bigger the picture of you they put up.

When we arrived the main level was full so the hostess took us upstairs to the second level where they have a few tables. If you are not short on time ask to be seated downstairs as the atmosphere is night an day difference compared to the second floor. It seemed a majority of the waitstaff was still in high school, which I have no problem with but it does diminish any possible experience they could have. This was well reflected in our waiter, who seemed very nervous and was stretched thin among the number of tables he had.

I decided against attempting the Big Ugly, but I've added it to the list of things to do in the near future. Instead, I had the elk burger with cheddar cheese. I've never had elk before but I was pleasantly surprised with the amount of flavor packed into this quarter pound burger. The seasoning seemed to be largely based on pepper as there was a slight aftertaste kick, but still enjoyable. The bun seemed to be freshly backed, although I could be wrong. The patty itself had a nice char which I personally enjoy as long as it isn't taken to the level of being completely burnt, which this burger wasn't. Amy ordered the beef burger and she said it seemed the flavor profile matched that of my elk burger. We also ordered a side of waffle fries as all sides were a la carte. The fries had great seasoning and were extremely well cooked, being just the right amount of crispy.

Amy is a big milkshake fan and knew she would need to try a Bubs milkshake before we left. She ordered the strawberry, which was made with real strawberry's. She said it still had chunks of strawberry and good quality ice cream while maintaining a chick consistency.

Overall, We will definately be going back to Bubs and will do our best to get a table on the main level.

Score: 9/10

210 West Main Street
Carmel, IN