At lunch, many families chose this spot because they have a children's menu. I chose the flame-grilled carne asada that is one of my favorites; my husband liked the sesame-honey seared ahi with plantains and ginger-chile sauce. At night, this is one of the spots for the younger,dating crowd, as their bar features the Epazote Margarita, an expensive($8.95) tall shaker for 2 or 3 people.; on Tuesdays, they feature Happy Hour margaritas at reduced prices. Their dinner entrees include a shrimp and scallop relleno, pecan-crusted rack of lamb, and pumpkinseed pesto marinated salmon- entrees designed to please seafood and Mexican food lovers alike .

On their extensive menu are so many interesting combinations that this is a food explorer's hot spot. For example, they offer enchiladas suizas for $9.95 at lunch; this is embellished with tomatillo sauce, lime cream, anejo cheese, beans and vegetables. Watercress salad - one of my husband's favorites- accompanies many of their entrees. He also likes their Del Mar Plaza Cobb Salad, also $9.95 at lunch. This hearty Cobb has avocado, romaine hearts, ranchero cheese, bacon, chicken, hard-boiled egg and salsa with herb-buttermilk dressing, is gigantic, and very filling.

For what you get, this restaurant's prices are very reasonable,especially at lunch. You're not on the beach, but close to it and in the heart of the charming downtown shopping district that's fun to explore as the city fathers have determined to keep it as it was, except for refurbishments, and avoid neon and Macs, in favor of antique shops and rather quaint, old-fashioned,and often pricey,venues. Epazote's reflects Del Mar's emphasis on preserving historic spots, keeping beaches family-friendly, and, of course, catering to summer visitors. This catering extends to the service which is quick to accommodate those going to the track or fair, but allows for those who want to linger and take in the view.