A chain of loud, casual, moderately priced Mexican restaurants--not exactly a rarity in South Florida--is planning to open its second U.S. eatery in CityPlace.
Carlos'n Charlie's, part of the Mexico-based Grupo Anderson chain (which includes, among other eateries, Senor Frog's), is expected to debut next month in the old Mark's (as in Militello) space between Taverna Opa and City Cellar.
There will be outdoor seating and space for private parties, as well as
an extensive bar menu of margartas, sangria and the like, plus a roster
of signature cocktails, like the Paloma (tequila in a salt-rimmed glass
with grapefruit soda).
The menu is as familiar as burgers 'n'
fries to anyone who's ever eaten a taco. There are, of course, tacos and
enchiladas and fajitas and guacamole and all the usual Mexican culinary
suspects, plus breakfast burritos and chilaquiles. And if you just
can't make it through the day without a burger, they'll have that too.
Local
wage slaves might find CnC's lunchtime specials a good way to stretch a
dollar, with eight to 10 of them bringing an entrée, small salad, soup
and slice of flan, though the boss will probably frown on chasing the
meal with a couple of margaritas.
(An interesting side note:
According to Wikipedia, Carlos'n Charlie's used to have a restaurant in
Aruba, the one Natalee Holloway was last seen leaving before her
disappearance. It was later closed and a Senor Frog's opened next door.)