PACKED...with flavor The Whole Enchilada, Moss Landing, CA

Anyone who knows me well also knows that I'm addicted to Mexican food. Add brightly colored, tropically-inspired decor and a Mexican restaurant gets more big points. Incorporate a broad range of fresh seafood and place an eatery within blocks of 'big water' - in this case, an estuary of Monterey Bay, California - and it's no wonder The Whole Enchilada stole my heart and taste buds several years ago (The restaurant recently reopened following temporary closure due to COVID-19. Check for current hours). 

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Specialties listed on a more recent menu included Stuffed Gulf Prawns, Deep Fried Calamari and Mariscos Chile Rellenos Verde (with crab and shrimp).

​Despite addictive 'mains' served here, save room for dessert too. My deliciously dense flan was almost as creamy as the mound of whipped cream that accompanied it. And I found it tough to stop eating crisp-soft churros that stood in a tall glass full of vanilla ice cream with caramel sauce. Flan remains on this expansive menu, or satisfy your sweet tooth with some Mexican Cinnamon Chocolate Ice Cream.

​​We were fortunate to meet gregarious and welcoming owner, Rey Retez too, when he stopped by our table. It was the perfect end to this one-of-a-kind dining experience.  

​Note: As a writer associated with the travel industry, I received a complimentary lunch for the purpose of this review. While it has not influenced this post, I wish to disclose all potential conflicts of interest.

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If ​you love seafood this Moss Landing restaurant is a terrific place to enjoy a meal. If not, you'll find far fewer options. Perhaps my favorite dish was crab enchiladas served atop rich, chipotle-flavored lobster cream sauce. Three rolled tortillas were packed full, of small crab bits.

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​On another plate, a handful of huge prawns surrounded a crisp empanada, adorned with a large helping of guacamole. House-made tortilla chips accompanied a generous side of creamy, savory refried beans and rice too.

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