I like Rutabegorz–don't eat there often, but how can you hate one of the last remnants of OC's hippie-dippy days? I don't expect much out of the restaurant except massive portions, as the above (consumed at their Old Towne Orange location) nachos shows. The chips and cheese are basic Tex-Mex, the vegetarian chili surprisingly toothsome, the guacamole basic . . . but that salsa? BLECCH.
]
I wasn't expecting much from the salsa, as the Rutabegorz menu is geared toward the type of gabachos whose Mexican experience is limited to backpacking to Zihuatanejo during their retirement. But this salsa was despicable–it was more cilantro water than anything spicy, anything flavorful. You could've filled a glass with water and sprinkled in some oregano, and that would've had more of a kick that Rutabegorz's feeble attempt. Geez, folks, ever heard of a serrano chile–hell, even an Anaheim? What you offer isn't salsa and is a major letdown from the rest of your meals. I thought hippies were more attuned to us ethnics, man. . . .
