There is a new local website launching tomorrow called Dealitious.com. It features discounts from 50% to 90%  from Portland area businesses.   
Their first deal will be featuring El Rayo Taqueria Mexican Restaurant. So, If you haven’t finished your Christmas shopping you can get a great deal with a discount voucher tomorrow or Tuesday.
Check this out… you can get 50% off at El Rayo Mexican from Dealitious.com  -

Get $30 of Fresh Mexican fare for $15  - Monday Dec, 13th and Tuesday Dec. 14th only.

Visit www.Dealitious.com and you can get all the details.
Dealitious.com is a locally owned site (no big out of state media companies) so you can support the local businesses and a local website at the same time.  

A cool features of Dealitious.com is that you can suggest a restaurant that you want to see deals from. So, If you don’t see your favorite restaurant just use the suggestion box and maybe they will be up next.

Maybe we can organize a write in campaign.  Put your suggestions below in the comments section.

I’m clearly not the first to report that the Mexican restaurant on the corner of High and York streets, El Rayo Taqueria (http://elrayotaqueria.com), is the best new(ish) thing going.  I discovered El Rayo this summer, when it appeared to have really hit its stride, accommodating a big crowd with the plentiful outdoor seating.
The food is simple, fresh and satisfying.  The people at El Rayo recognize that sometimes all you want is a fish taco and a beer.  In other words, you can actually eat Mexican food without needing a huge nap afterward.  
The casual setting has outdoor picnic tables have been covered with a Hawaiian print oilcloth and inside, patrons sit on stools at the counter or small tables.   The décor is funky, bright and retro.  Being outside at El Rayo on a sunny afternoon puts me in a better mood.   And with the portable heaters outside, El Rayo makes outdoor dining a possibility past Labor Day.  
Both times I have been to El Rayo, I have been very pleased with my choice.  The first time I tried the rice and bean bowl with roasted vegetables ($6.75).  The contrast of the warm rice and beans and veggies with the cool raw tastes of chopped radish and fresh cilantro was very satisfying.  The guacamole ($4.50) is simple and the flavor of the avocado is not compromised by too much lime or salt.  The rice and bean bowl and half of the guacamole was definitely a very satisfying lunch.  My husband had one Pescado taco ($3.95), with grilled achiote seasoned fish fillet, sliced avocado, chipotle sauce, and a crunchy veggie slaw,  and one Carne Asada taco ($3.95), with chargrilled steak with rajas, shredded lettuce, and lime.   Both were outstanding.  
The second time I went there I ordered the El Mercado Salad ($6.95) – spinach, jicama, toasted almonds, orange slices tossed with sweet peppers, marinated onions and ancho chili vinaigrette.  It really did taste as good as it sounds – flavorful but not spicy, fresh and colorful.  My only problem was that I secretly wanted two of them…  This time, my husband tried the Bistec burrito ($7.50), filled with grilled beef with charred onions, peppers, and ranchero sauce.   Paired with a tall Dos Equis, he claimed it took him to higher levels of consciousness.
The service was friendly and attentive and because the restaurant was a little more than half capacity on the late mid-week afternoon we went.  There were lots of children around, and even small tables to accommodate the wee ones.  My four-year-old opted for an order of local organic applesauce($1.50) and an order of rice and beans ($3.75).  Aside from the fact that they don’t traditionally pair well, I was thrilled she finished it and she wasn’t handed a kids menu where the only choices were chicken nuggets or hamburger.  There are a lot of options for small appetites and eating outside is a bonus for kids.  I think she subconsciously allows us an extra ten minutes to enjoy our food when we pick an outdoor place.  
There isn’t a ton of parking and finding a place nearby can get frustrating.  It’s no secret that this place is good.  Unless you don’t mind crowds, I would opt to try El Rayo on an off-time, like mid-afternoon on a Wednesday.  And maybe stay into happy hour, which runs everyday from 4-6.  Who can pass up a $5 margarita made with top shelf liquor?  
El Rayo is open daily from 11am-11pm.

101 York St

Portland Maine.

El Rayo opened in 2009 with a crowd of eager patrons waiting outside the door, and the vibe hasn’t changed a bit since then. When you combine friendly service and affordable prices with fresh Mexican food abundant with flavor you’re gonna win a fan club. The patio fills up early with an artsy, urban crowd lured by generous happy hour specials featuring top shelf margaritas and daiquiris along with an assortment of Mexican beers.
The casual, handsomely designed taqueria is a hit with kids, and dogs are always welcome on their seasonal outdoor patio.

 

207.780.8226