When they delivered my  meal to the table, the sizzling meat and vegetables were promptly set on fire to the fascination of assembled dinner guests.

Just a few miles south of the historic Old City, a real treasure lies waiting for all you Mexican food aficionados to discover. It’s called La Cocina, and it’s as close as you’re going to get to Mexico without leaving Florida.

In the summer of 2006, owner Andres Soto opened the doors to allow the people of Saint Augustine to experience authentic Mexican dishes like Molcajete , Sopa de Mariscos , Veracruz style Red snapper, Carnitas , Chiles Rellenos and Beef Tongue. The moment you arrive there, the festively painted purple, red and yellow outside of the La Cocina Mexican Restaurant sets the tone immediately. Once inside, the beautiful colors and artwork remains resplendent throughout.

For my meal tonight, I ordered the steak fajitas which came with a basket of piping-hot tortillas, shredded lettuce, rice, refried beans and guacamole. When they delivered it to my table, the sizzling meat and vegetables were promptly set on fire to the fascination of assembled dinner guests.

From the very first bite, my mouth was in love. The steak was perfectly seasoned and cooked, the bell peppers and onions hot, flavorful and still crunchy. I slathered the homemade guac and refried beans on a tortilla, added the meat and veggies, and topped it with rice and lettuce. I repeated this formula until I was a member of the Clean Plate Club.  The chips and salsa that started off my meal were amazing as well. Hot, crunchy chips dipped into what may be one of the finest salsas in all of North Florida. All-star stuff.

Funny, it all smelled so good that I started eating before I remembered to take the photo for the article, so you will have to forgive me for not having the items laid out better. But the food really is that good.

On top of all that, the people who work there are super-friendly and the service was great. There is ample parking, plenty of seating inside, and is family-friendly so bring the kids.