Orem’s Los Chinchorros goes all in on Mexican seafood
The Mojarra Frita (fried tilapia) at Mariscos Los Chinchorros in Orem.
The Mojarra Frita at Mariscos Los Chinchorros in Orem.
The Fajitas De Carne Asada at Mariscos Los Chinchorros in Orem.
The Shrimp Taco at Mariscos Los Chinchorros in Orem.
The server placed the Mojarra Frita, or fried tilapia, in front of us on Friday afternoon. I looked at the whole fish (head, eyeballs and all) as it looked back at me. I couldn’t help but remember an old Jim Gaffigan bit.
“I am amazed that we’re still serving fish with the heads on there,” Gaffigan joked. “Don’t you always feel like that eye is looking at you? ‘Hey, you don’t mind if I watch while you eat my body, do ya? Don’t be distracted if a little tear comes out — you can just tell yourself it’s butter.’ “
The good news is that no, a little tear didn’t come out. Both the tilapia and I kept our composure.
My visit to Mariscos Los Chinchorros, a Mexican seafood restaurant in Orem, was the first time I’d greeted a fish like this. And for the record, I’m not complaining. It’s important to try new things. Additionally, I like when restaurants take bold chances. The Mojarra Frita was served on a bed of rice, along with an order of refried beans and shredded lettuce. It also included some lime slices, and an orange slice with a tiny Mexican flag attached to a toothpick. The fish tasted a little earthier than your average tilapia, mostly because it was served whole — the actual meat untouched until you cut into it.
Let’s not get hung up on this individual fish, though. Los Chinchorros serves a wide variety of Mexican food. We also sampled various seafood tacos and the Fajitas De Carne Asada. This steak plate was our favorite order. It included a large slab of steak, grilled onions, rice, beans, lettuce, grilled jalapenos, avocado slices and a piece of wonderfully mild soft cheese (I’m not totally sure what kind). That steak was melt-in-your-mouth tender and worked perfectly with the buttery grilled onions.
The shrimp taco and fish taco were hefty, coming with a heap of diced tomatoes, lettuce and red onions, as well as a sauce. Each of these packed a flavorful punch. You can thank the potent sauce for that. I wasn’t quite into this sauce, but I won’t fault a restaurant for being too flavorful.
Los Chinchorros is a spacious restaurant, with charming décor and good service. They don’t speak much English, but enough to get you the right order. Seafood is a big part of Mexican cuisine, and I’m glad Utah County has some restaurants that prioritize it.
If that fish’s eyeball bothers you, though, just take Gaffigan’s advice and pretend it’s crying butter.
MARISCOS LOS CHINCHORROS
Where: 294 N. State St., Orem
Hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
Prices: Most entrees $13-$29, tacos $2-$4, lunch specials $9-$13
Info: (801) 224-1531, facebook.com/chinchorrosrestaurant