CASUAL DINING ROUNDUP

What's more authentically Mexican than a good time?

Only trouble is, what does authentic mean anymore?

Take Mexican food. Mexico is a pretty big country to start with, and if you're talking authentic comida tipica of Merida, for example, you might very well be talking Lebanese, thanks to a flourishing expat community.

To us, the true mark of authenticity when it comes to Mexican food is that it's fun — and how can you resist with a joint that offers a drink called the Tequila Mockingbird?

The place is Cafe del Rio (1821 SE 10th Ave., Fort Lauderdale; 954-463-5490), and the hospitality includes homemade flour tortillas with butter and honey along with the usual chips and salsa — and an all-you-can-eat, soft-serve ice cream dispenser on the way out.

Another fun spot with outdoor seating is Tijuana Taxi Co. (4400 S. University Dr., Davie; 954-472-5008). The interior's something of a hoot, too, with a Volkswagen Beetle neatly cut in half and mounted on the wall like a hunting trophy. The bar scene feels like Spring Break on the lagoon in Cancún.

Carlos & Pepe's 17th Street Cantina, a local institution (1302 SE 17th St., Fort Lauderdale; 954-467-7192), deserves an honorable mention here. Yes, it, too, has tuna dip and huevos, and they're both worthy competitors, but we love the place for the goofiest menu around. At least a thousand years old, it still makes us smile.

For a more upscale version of Mexicana, you'll want to try Cantina Laredo (811 S. University Dr., Plantation; 954-318-2688), with its upwardly mobile happy-hour crowd downing designer tequilas and fancy margaritas.

Tear yourself away from the happening bar scene and you'll find a stylish dining room abuzz with servers strutting by with sizzling fajitas and setting fire to appetizers and desserts. Don't miss the ''Top Shelf Guacamole'' easily the best in town.

We're also impressed with Laredo's carnitas, chunks of roasted pork in a chipotle-wine sauce, and the Danish baby back ribs done with a tequila barbecue sauce and, in for a penny, served with corn on the cob.

(Read the rest of the article on the Miami Herald website here.)

Now, did anyone notice that this article is in the MIAMI Herald and all of the restaurants are in freakin' fort lauderdale??  What is going ON????  We have el Rancho Grande in South Beach.  Wheeee!  Oh, and Lime.  Does anyone else have more suggestions?  I am an EXCELLENT dinner guest, if you just think you I absolutely must check it out.

Hasta Luego!!!