And They Called It Paradise

Hello, my name is Jason and welcome to Paradiso. I’ll be your server. Can I start you off with something to drink?”

“Daiquiris around!”

“Margarita for me.”

“Virgin daiquiri for me.”

“It’s my birthday and here’s my license!”

“This place is trippy. I wish I really was tripping. I’d be having a blast. Did you see that large, white fountain in the center of the restaurant?”

“Oh yeah. I’d completely forgotten about that fountain. And doesn’t the restaurant go on forever past the fountain?”

“It goes on forever everywhere. This restaurant was built without regard to the laws of physics. There’s a sun room behind you that can sit god only knows, plus their outside seating which was half full and the prom kids haven’t even showed their faces yet.”

“I love the neon and all the Mexican tile, plus the differing lighting which is dark by the entrance, bright in the sun room and where the fountain is, and slightly darker where we are.”

“Perfect for rum drinks. And the televisions with the Twins don’t hurt.”

“I hope we see some prom kids.”

“What’s everyone having?”

“They’ll probably do something ‘cool,’ like eat at the food court or Taco Bell.”

“Seafood burrito and a cheese tostada.”

“Platter Fantastico.”

“Oh, me too!”

“I hope I see some skanky dresses.”

“With most of the menu being in the $6-$13 range, there isn’t anything that’s off limits, except maybe the seafood burrito,” she said with a laugh.”

“It’s only fake crab and shrimp. It’s good.”

“Ready to order?”

“More chips, salsa, and water!”

“Oh, I’m full...I’ve been ordering cheese tostadas since I was a little girl and they are always delicious.”

“How about you Neil, how was your Platter Fantastico?

“Anyone save room for dessert? That fried ice cream is calling out my name. Anyone want to share?”

“My meal was amazing. A super large hard shell taco with ground beef, two deep fried beef taquitos, a chimichanga drenched in green sauce, refried beans, and rice. It was all really good, not gourmet, but simple and rich. I’m very satisfied, and I’m about to burst but I have enough room to split the fried ice cream with you.”

The desserts arrive. Flan, fried ice cream, and fried bread. A battle raged over the crunchy topping of the fried ice cream, the flan was slowly eaten by its sole owner, and the fluffy fried bread with sweet dipping sauces was also eaten slowly by its two owners.

“How much did you spend, Neil?”

“$18.48. $10.49 for the entrée, $2.95 for the virgin daiquiri, and $3.99 for the fried ice cream, and the tip is another $4. How about you guys?”

“About the same.”

“Same.”

“Almost nothing because it’s my birthday!”

“I can barely walk. Let’s waddle out to the cars and go back to your place, play some games, and watch the Twins.”

If You Go

WHAT: Paradiso Mexican Restaurant
WHERE: 801 38th St. S. Fargo
WHEN: Mon-Thurs 11-11; Fri-Sat 11-11:30
Sun 10:30-11, bar open Mon-Sat till 1am
INFO: (701) 282-5747