The name of this exceptional restaurant—Matteo's Salsa Loco—is an honest indication of the fresh Mexican cuisine on the menu, such as Enchiladas, Quesadillas, and Chimichangas. However, Matteo's Salsa Loco offers much more than your average taco. Matteo's specializes in fresh seafood, offering a Californian flare to each dish and also to the dining room's ambiance.
    "We bring in fresh, local fish twice every week," explains the restaurant's owner and operator, Matt. "Mako, Wahoo, Salmon, Rockfish, Swordfish, Mahi Mahi, and Red Snapper are just a few of many local fish we serve up as the fresh catch of the day." Fresh fish are featured throughout each week in Matteo's awesome discounted specials. Cruisers this week can put the pedal to the metal and make a pit stop at Matteo's on Friday, when Fajita Friday presents deep discounts on any Fresh Fish Fajita. On Saturday, the Rockfish Taco Platter is on special, served with tropical fruit salsa. Sunday presents NFL specials including Wings, Tacos, Rockfish Tacos, $5 Smoked Rib Plates, $1.50 domestic drafts, and $2 shots. NFL specials carry on into Monday with $1 Tacos all night long.
    On Tuesday, stop into Matteo's Salsa Loco for an incredible half-pound Chopped Sirloin Steak Dinner for only $9.99. All steaks are hand cut on the premises. If you like the NFL specials on Monday night, return to Matteo's on Thursday night for more $1 Tacos and other NFL food and drink discounts. Plenty of high definition, flat screen televisions can be viewed throughout the barroom, which is separate from the family-friendly dining room.
    In the bar, Happy Hour takes place almost all day long, from noon until 6:00. Live entertainment keeps the party going on weekends, and locally-renowned musician Johnny Mojo showcases his talents every Saturday night at Matteo's. Don't miss the extraordinary costume contest at Matteo's on Halloween weekend. Check Coconut Times for details.
    Matteo's is regionally and nationally renowned for its liquid libations. Matteo's "Tres-arita" is made with three top-shelf tequilas, and has won first place in a national margarita contest on www.topmargaritas.com. The bar's Bloody Mary ranked number one this year for spiciest Bloody Mary in Ocean City's Best Bloody Mary Contest. Now, Matteo's Bloody Mary boasts the number one ranking in the entire state of Delaware, and is heading for the national prize in Abolut Vodka's nationwide contest, which is down to the wire. Vote for Matteo's at www.absolutbloody.com. You must be at least 21 years old to enter the website.
    When my Mom, Nancy Samuels, and I enjoyed our weekly mother/daughter dinner date at Matteo's this week, the dining room was packed full for $1 Tacos. The friendly staff handled the crowd with ease. In fact, a party of 16 friends was seated at a large table just minutes before my Mom and I arrived, but the quality of food and service was top-notch. The customers were laughing and socializing, which is always a good sign. Our server, Kiah, is extra attentive. She recommends the Mako, which is her favorite fresh fish at Matteo's.
    My Mom and I took a moment to admire the tropical, Californian atmosphere in the dining room, which is decorated with beach artwork, fishing memorabilia, and palm tree decor. Pop music softly wafted from the sound system, and Kiah brought us complimentary chips and fresh, homemade, chunky salsa with a gentle "bite" to it. "The Grouper Tacos are very popular," she suggests. "But Matt really wants you to try the Blackened Swordfish. You'll be glad you did," she advises.
    Eager to try the owner's suggestion, Mom and I ordered the Blackened Swordfish. A huge piece of fish served with Cilantro, fresh vegetables, and three-pepper cilantro rice, the platter is phenomenal. Moist and juicy, the Blackened Swordfish is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. We also ordered the locally famous Seafood Enchiladas. Two corn tortillas stuffed with shrimp, scallops, chipotle cream, melted cheddar and Jack cheese, and sour cream, the Seafood Enchiladas are pure perfection.
    Staying true to its promise of fresh seafood recipes, Matteo's offers a plethora of Surf & Turf entrées. Try the Scallops Veracruz for large sea scallops sautéed in white wine, garlic butter, and cilantro. Crab Cakes are homemade jumbo lump crabmeat served with Rancho tarter and black bean and corn salsa. Shrimp Scampito is sautéed in white wine, garlic butter, and cilantro. Available with your choice of beef, chicken, or Portobello mushrooms, Quesadillas can also be prepared with Jumbo Lump Crab. I recommend the Surf & Turf Chimichanga, which is a beef chimi topped with jumbo lump crab meat and melted cheddar and Jack cheese. Of course, all Chimichangas are a concoction of grilled burritos with your choice of chicken or ground or shredded beef smothered in Ranchero sauce, sour cream, and melted cheese.
    Clearly, Matteo's Salsa Loco is dedicated to serving fresh, local fish every day. Mexican dishes are also in abundance at the restaurant.  Mondo Burritos are a crowd pleasing option. Carnitas are chunks of fried pork served with yucca frita, homemade guacamole, fresh Pico de Gallo, sour cream, and hot tortillas. Served sizzlin’ with flour tortillas, salsa, and sour cream, the Fajitas are another popular choice, marinated in zesty chipotle salsa and sautéed with sweet peppers, onions, tomatoes.
    Matteo’s also serves up scrumptious appetizers like Nachos Grande, Jalapeño Poppers, and Chiles Rellenos—Ortega Chiles stuffed with pepper Jack cheese, beer battered, fried, and served with Pico de Gallo and Cajun sour cream. The Taquitos are crispy fried flautas packed with seasoned shredded beef and served with guacamole. Salsa, Guacamole, and Queso Dip are each made fresh daily. Salads on the menu include Taco Salad, Black Angus Steak Salad, and more. Try the Baja Black Bean Soup or Roasted Corn & Chicken Tortilla Soup to warm up on a cool autumn day. A kids menu, lunch menu, and dessert menu are also available.
    Matteo’s is open year round, and is certainly a locals’ hotspot. Swing in today, introduce yourself to Matt, and enjoy the best Mexican food with the freshest fish. The full menu is available for carry out, and you can call ahead for seating. Hot sauces and apparel are available for purchase. Matteo’s is located on Coastal Highway just past the Delaware/Maryland state line. For more information, call 302-541-4911 or visit www.matteossalsaloco.com.