El Jalapeno recently opened in Park Slope in what some are calling a death-like location (Off of 5th seems to equal closing quickly). I wanted to check it out and try to help keep it open, but how was it?

Well, (plus) Our waiter was an adorable older man in full-on-hot-mexican gear who loved calling us “young fellows.” (minus) The place, however, had what I assume is left over decor that reminded me of a lobby to an apartmental rental place.

When I sat down with Kristen, we were given these multi-color chips and ask Kristen knows, I don’t like falsely colored chips. (Via twitter just 20 minutes earlier: “Uh oh @nachosny isn’t gonna like this… http://flic.kr/p/7brBNZ“.) She’s right, but that’s ok with a bowl salsa, just not where it counts: in the ‘chos.

We ordered the “Yankee Nachos” (which may have been SPOILER ALERT our mistake).

The colored chips were present again and covered with cheese, ground beef, and beans. On the side, in mini cups were guacamole, sour cream and jalapenos. The first bites were good, with a heavy saltiness, but it quickly overwhelmed me. I needed some spice or tomatoes to change the flavor. And I am not a big fan of reaching for guacamole or other toppings, so that didn’t please me either.

In the end, I couldn’t finish this platter. I really wanted to love this place, but I’m not a fan of these nachos. The man who served us made me smile every time he said “young fellows,” but these nachos did not keep me as happy.

For even more nacho fun

Acapulco by Lee Frank

Shows and ‘Chos: Yola’s with Afuche by Lee Frank

San Loco by Lee Frank

Uncle Moe’s Burritos by Lee Frank