Midtown Lunch

On this day, Americans celebrate the  Mexican victory at the Battle of Puebla by drinking lots of margaritas and eating Mexican food. Luckily, in Philly there are so many great options for Mexican dining. You can go the Stephen Starr route, or you could get all authentic with a restaurant whose name you might not be able to pronounce.

I celebrated a friend’s birthday the other month at Iztaccihuatl, taking full advantage of the BYO policy. Today, I remembered to go back for lunch to celebrate in my own way, with a huge plate of food. The “Bistec Fiesta Atzala Platter” has shrimp, beef, chicken, a sope, queso fresco, pico de gallo, rice, beans, and tortillas on the side. Its $13 and is enough food for 2 people. I had to move the piece of nicely grilled beef to uncover a simple, yet pretty sizable piece of chicken. I really liked the sope, which came with mole sauce, and the plump grilled shrimp. I felt pretty festive eating beef, fowl, and seafood in one sitting. How are you celebrating?

THE + (What somebody who likes this place would say)

• All the proteins in one plate
• Tasty sope

THE – (What somebody who doesn’t like this place would say)

• Not the greatest cut of meat

Iztaccihuatl, 1122 S 8th St, 215 467-1005