Nestled between the taller buildings of downtown Turlock lies an unexpected dining experience for area locals.
Located at 310 E. Main St., La Mo Cafe dishes up Latin American cuisine that is sure to liven up any meal of the day.
As potential guests find their way to the almost hidden cafe, a smiling host is there to greet them at the rustic gate and offer a choice of indoor or outdoor seating.
Once seated, guests are greeted by friendly waiters and offered a selection of drinks.
The honey-sweetened Strawberry Basil Lemonade, $3.50, stood out on the menu along with many other items. With an aroma like pasta sauce, the lemonade was surprisingly sweet and refreshing.
La Mo Cafe’s menu contains just the right amount of diversity. From Sopitas that contain cactus, $8, to a Roasted Red Pepper BLT, $9.50, La Mo Cafe has dishes to satisfy a variety of taste buds.
After choosing the Roasted Vegetable Quesadilla lunch special, $10, the wait for the food was longer than I expected.
Since the wheat quesadilla was exceptionally delicious, it made up for the extensive wait.
Filled with roasted peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, melty Oaxaca cheese and topped with a light drizzle of sour cream, La Mo Cafe’s quesadilla didn’t disappoint when it came to flavor.
The vegetables were cooked to perfection, leaving them with a nice crunch and no mush.
Along with the quesadilla was a sweet green sauce available for dipping.  The meal was also accompanied by black beans and a scoop of white rice with a hint of cilantro.
La Mo Cafe may not be a go-to spot for a quick lunch, but with a pleasant atmosphere and tasty cuisine, La Mo is the perfect place to take someone special for the quickly approaching Valentine’s Day.
Throughout the week, La Mo Cafe features daily specials, ensuring a new experience with each visit.
They are open Tuesday through Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.