Restaurants often forget one of the keys to bringing all the full, earthy flavors out of tomato-based salsa: Warm it up! El Real Tex-Mex never forgets, which is why diners may find themselves needing a salsa refill five minutes after they arrive. The other secret is fire-roasting tomatoes and jalapeños throughout the day to get a smoky undertone. The result is thick with balanced heat that won’t drive anyone away yet will keep the chiliheads appeased.
READERS’ CHOICE: The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation
This article appears in Work Hard, Play Hard.