Every once in a while I run into a true surprise, a hole in the wall that is one of the best eating experiences I ever had. I ran into that with the most recent restaurant I visited, Thalia’s. It is unlikely I would have visited this place if I had not been referred to it, but it was the most exceptional Mexican food I have had in a Fresno restaurant. Fresno is a city with many good Mexican food establishments, making the competition stiff.
Thalia’s is near the corner of Butler and Orange in a rundown retail building. When I walked in it had no business, but 11:00 is a little early for lunch in Mexican culture. You walk in to the sight of cheap plastic table cloths, and patio chairs. Some would consider the ambiance tacky, but I think the decoration style gives it a homey feel. I was greeted by a very friendly waiter who was attentive to my every need.
The menu is limited, but I prefer a small well done menu over a large poorly done one. They serve several breakfast items, including chilaquiles which are not often on menus in this country. The regular part of the menu includes the usual tortilla dish culprits, but some with a different twist. Their specials are fajitas, huarache, and chile verde. The menu was in Spanish, but they may have English ones.
I ordered the asada fajitas. The meat was perfect. It was tender, and very juicy, mixed with tomatoes and chili peppers. Mexican restaurants often overcook their meat. You get a choice of potatoes instead of rice for a refreshing change. The potatoes were cooked until very tender with tomatoes and black pepper. The beans were not too thick or thin. There was a generous heaping of lettuce, avocado, and red onion, all very fresh. The tortillas were freshly made, fluffy, and almost burning my hand. It is not too much food like you get served at many Mexican restaurants, and has its own unique twist. It was one of the most amazing meals I have ever eaten.
Thalia’s has been open for five months and very much deserves to succeed, so I urge everyone to try them out.
