Last Updated:2:34 PM EST 3/12/08 Section: Lifestyles

Media Credit: Mike Spier Nasso gives authentic Mexican food a try at El Parian in Henrietta. El Parian is a 1-year-old restaurant that serves a variety of authentic Mexican foods.

If you are like me, and you weren't fortunate enough to spend spring break some place fun, you are probably looking for some way to spice up your semester.

My suggestion is to try El Parian located at 3070 West Henrietta Rd.

El Parian is an authentic Mexican restaurant that serves a variety of foods that will satisfy your hunger but will also be gentle on your wallet.

The restaurant's Mexican roots are very apparent from decorations that adorn the walls from ceiling to floor. The Spanish music that plays throughout El Parian only helped to enhance the quality of my experience at El Parian.

From the service to the chips and salsa you receive as a substitute for the bread and butter you would receive at an American diner, El Parian can be described as nothing but charming.

The waitress was quick to replenish the basket of tortilla chips, refill water glasses and bring extra napkins.

The servers in general were extremely pleasant, and having dinner at El Parian felt more like having dinner with extended family than eating out.

What is great is that you never feel rushed to order, or rushed to pay your bill. The servers allow you to take your time and enjoy your meal.

The menu features a wide variety of Mexican foods from burritos and challupas to enchiladas and tacos. El Parian even has salads if you aren't feeling extremely adventurous when you visit.

My favorite part of the menu is the front cover that describes the ingredients of the central dishes. If you are like me and new to eating Mexican food, a description of a tamale is helpful.

Menu items can be ordered a la carte or you can purchase menu combos. In either case, the menu items are still extremely affordable.

For dinner, I ordered a chicken quesadilla grande, and I was pleasantly surprised. You can choose to have your quesadilla made with beef, chicken or shrimp. If you are a vegetarian they can also make you a fiesta quesadilla. The quesadilla was massive and served with a side of lettuce, sour cream and guacamole. It was extremely filling and since it was so large I really did not mind sharing with my dinner companion.

Dining at El Parian was a fantastic experience. The food and service were outstanding, and eating there was unlike any other dining experience I have ever had.

I would highly recommend giving El Parian a try, and I guarantee that after trying authentic Mexican food, you will not want to go back to Taco Bell.

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