"margaritas" news and stories

Cinco de Mayo is this coming Friday, and it's an excuse to indulge in more than our fair share of Coronas, margaritas, and of course, food. But as many people may know, Mexican food isn't always considered to be all that light and healthy. Heck, a basket of chips and salsa could put you well over your daily calorie needs in one tequila-fueled haze. The American Heart Association lists a few tips to keep your health in check when you're shouting out "Ole!"

• Instead of flour tortillas, which are often made with lard, opt for corn tortillas, which can contain little to no fat.
• Choose grilled chicken, fish or shrimp over fried carnitas (beef or pork) or chorizo (sausage).
• Rather than refried beans (this is always the killer for me), go for frijoles a la charra or borracho (simmered in liquid).
• Sour cream, cheese, and guacamole can be replaced with as much flavor from good salsa, pico de gallo, and fresh chopped cilantro, onions, and japalenos.
• Instead of a plain quesadilla, order fajitas and stick with the tips above for corn tortillas and salsa
• If you get a "taco salad," resist eating the shell

I finally forced myself outside the two-mile radius to which I relegate my weekday dining, and actually drove to Venice to try La Cabana, a Mexican restaurant I have seen many times on my old commute to work. Lincoln Blvd. and Rose Ave. is quite a feat for me.

The restaurant is in an area that looks and feels sketchy, especially with the chain-link fenced empty lot next door to it. The building is nothing fancy on the outside, except for the large sign plastered across the front that proclaims that La Cabana has been awarded for "Best Margaritas." We'll see about that.