El Sarape worth stripping for

Tucked into a strip mall, near the intersection of Main and West Mason streets is what many local residents consider the best Mexican restaurant in town. El Sarape is inviting to all who step inside. The décor is fun, bright and colorful. English translation of the word sarape is blanket. True to its name, the restaurant's interior walls are draped by a number of saddle blankets along with sombreros, soccer jerseys and wall murals. The staff is friendly and helpful, switching languages freely from one customer to the next. Be careful not to ask what they would suggest you order, because the wait staff will tell you that everything is good and try to convince you to order more than one thing. In their defense, most everything is good, but portion sizes do not necessitate the ordering of more than one entrée. Anyone attempting to eat their way through more than $15 worth of food at El Sarape had better be in Sumo training or they will undoubtedly regret it. As the Northeastern Wisconsin weather continues to cool, El Sarape has plenty of spicy dishes to warm its customers. It boasts a huge selection of house favorites, most of which are tradition Mexican dishes. The restaurant also caters to individuals looking for something a bit less intimidating. For the less adventurous, El Sarape serves tacos with lettuce and tomato, rather than the traditional lime, cilantro and onion. It also has a selection of giant burritos that is sure to please. For customers willing to go a bit more traditional, the lomo de Puerco is a great dish of poached pork loin simmered in a green chile sauce. Another can't miss option are the chiles rellenos. These roasted poblano peppers are seeded, stuffed with a cheese-based filling, then coated with batter and pan fried. Nothing about the dish can disappoint. Affordable lunch features are available during the week. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. the restaurant offers enchiladas, tacos, tostadas, flautas, chimichangas or tamales with rice and beans for $5.50. There is no reason why any self-respecting consumer should ever find themselves in the Taco Bell drive through for lunch again. Even without these lunch features, the El Sarape menu is comparably priced with fast food chains. The food quality comparison is a whole different story. El Sarape serves alcohol as well. The restaurant provides a selection of imported Mexican beers. Each bottle of beer costs $3.25, which is more than fair for imports. Choices include Negra Modelo, Tecate, Bohemia, Pacifico, Carta Blanca, Dos Equis and more. If beer isn't your style, there are several fruity options for creating your favorite margarita. El Sarape serves through 10 p.m., but on Fridays and Saturdays the kitchen is open until midnight. The location is 2030 East Mason St. in the same parking lot as Topper's Pizza and E.B. Games. Check out El Sarape's Web site, elsarapegb.com, for a look at the restaurant's menu or call (920)496-8742 to contact El Sarape's directly.