I have to admit, I had to check myself at the door and leave my bias attitude in the bay. For so long, I have been comparing great Mexican food to past eateries I have visited.

I was skeptical about this new restaurant I was about to encounter, for the single reason that I had not found a great Mexican restaurant in Sacramento.

Tres Hermanas changed that for me. Its qualities had so much to offer to the newcomer that had a selected taste when it came to quality, authentic Mexican cuisine.

Three sisters (and their brother) from Chihuahua, Mexico moved to Sacramento and opened a quaint little place called Tres Hermanas. And it is through here that Sonia, Dora and Norma (and Sergio) have given Midtown Sacramento a new Latin flare!

Decor:

I was excited not to see pinatas hanging from every corner of the restaurant. The room was filled with old Mexican paintings and murals. The painted doors and maps of Mexico added to the flavor and atmosphere of the place. The atmosphere included small palettes inscribed with salsa recipes on the walls, and the back room brightened up the restaurant with beautiful fans and red decor. The bar was a bit small, but the restaurant is not big enough to accommodate a huge drinking space.

Comida:

To properly judge a Mexican restaurant, one must base it on the important aspects. I ordered a plate of rice, beans (not canned beans), salad and carne asada. Are the beans from a can? Is the meat cooked all the way? Does the rice taste burned?

The menu consisted of many different Mexican dishes. From burritos, tacos and nachos to cocktail de camarones, they had something terrific for the meat eaters and seafood lovers.

The beans were really tasty and the rice was filled with a great spice that was a perfect tease for your taste buds. Different kinds of salsa and secret recipes were all a part of the eating experience. Their cilantro dressing was unbelievable. The recipe was impossible to get, because family secrets stay in the family. The salsa tasted like real salsa. This is a huge plus to anyone who can differentiate between good salsa and tomato water salsa. The carne asada was cooked well and the guacamole was also homemade. The entire plate was garnished with pico de gallo and straight from the kitchen real Latin flavor.

Service:

The waitresses matched the decor and added value and authenticity to the spot. The traditional outfits were fitted and helped you really imagine true Mexico. Their hospitality and fast service was a major plus! I’m quite picky, so the fact that they were quick on their feet really swayed my opinion even further in their direction.

Price:

Because I’ve only been to mediocre Mexican restaurants, I was expecting the prices to be averaged about $8 per meal. After I realized I wasn’t at Adalbertos, I appreciated the fact that the price per meal wasn’t actually that bad at all. Each plate was about $12 each. Plus, you can either get homemade Mexican soup or a salad with your meal. The drinks aren’t that bad in price either. A pitcher of margaritas is about $26, depending on what type of alcohol you are looking for. Desserts are about $5 and are quite worth the extra room you’ll have to make.

Overall:

Tres Hermanas was truly a wonderful cuisine. Honestly, taking into consideration the food, service, price and overall atmosphere, I have to give this place a four out of five.

Authenticity and fabulousness was what caused me to really enjoy this restaurant. I no longer have to drive to the Bay Area to get “real” Mexican food. Now, it’s just down the street in Midtown.

Rating:4 out of 5 martinis

Rosa Pastran can be reached at [email protected]