In a city of growing Asian influence, you can still smell and taste lime-infused guacamole - made fresh daily. At Armando's Mexican restaurant on Garvey Ave. and Orange, in the heart of Montery Park, you can count on fish as fresh as the avocado delight. You can't hide in the small dining room near the kitchen, but in a few seconds you can peak at what other folks are devouring, just in time for the spunky waiter to deliver hot crispy corn chips and alongside a cot of never-bottled salsa. I washed mine down with the Jamaica drink - in the true Mexican spirit.

Last Wednesday, a few of us pop in for a real lunch feast and was quite pleased with the friendly atmosphere. A neighbor recognized us and said a quick "hey there" before retreating back to her fiesta meal.

Admittedly, I had to pry myself away from the chips, salsa and guacamole to save room for my real lunch. Doubt not for a minute that you can get a mean burrito at your corner Mexican cafeteria, but at Armando's fish is the specialty. So that is what I got. Don't bother to ask, I'll tell you up-front...

It did not take the second bite, from the first fork-full, I knew I had hit the jackpot. The seasoning was just perfect. I could taste the soft flaky snapper - done just right and not skimpy either. Every mouthful was a blend of fish, beans, rice, and chunky veggies, bathe in their signature sauce. I'll just say, if you want a fish burrito - Armando's is the place.

Dare I tell you the price for this awesome local Mexican cuisine... you can get something off the lunch menu with change you dig from your seat cushions. I give Armando's two thumbs up for just $.