Language barrier. Scanning the menu at Taqueria Bahia in San Rafael, I noted the two most expensive dishes were $10.50, one was a pork favorite, and another a name I didn't recognize. I asked the woman at the counter where you order, what is "Milaneza"? She said something garbled that sounded like "Chicken 'n Steak". I asked her again and she repeated "Chicken 'n Steak". Ah, I thought, something that has a bit of both, no matter the sauce it will be something new to try, so I ordered it!

I was given my iced tea, and pointed to the warmer table where it was dish up your own tortilla chips and whichever of the several salsas you'd like. I sat at a comfortable wooden booth with a tile table.

Then out came my Milaneza... awk! Chicken-fried Steak! oh no. I had NO idea that this was in the Mexican repertoire of cooking! And maybe not really... it was awful! Greasy and over-browned and grisly to boot. The toughest old piece of shoe leather this side of Colorado. Now I did see some attractive looking more 'normal' Mexican dishes going by my table. The refried beans were quite good, and the rice fresh and well flavored. I will try this again sometime with a more usual order. I also noticed that they serve breakfast all day, but they don't open until 10 a.m. which puts them firmly in the 'brunch only' category on my list.