By Donna Price

dprice@americanpress.com

Story, photos by Donna Price

dprice@americanpress.com

There are some foods out there that I have never tried, and may never. Fried tarantula, for example, which is enjoyed in Cambodia. Or an Armenian dish called Khash that consists of boiled cow’s feet served with dry, flat bread. I’m good with leaving these delicacies to those with more adventurous palates.

I did, however, eat a cactus Saturday night at Rosita’s 2 at 3669 Fifth Ave. It was part of the Pechuga Asada Plate I ordered, which is chicken fajita breast served with rice, refried beans, pico de gallo, tortillas and grilled onions.

The grilled cactus pad was cut into strips and topped with delicious pieces of chicken fajita breast. If I hadn’t known I was eating cactus, I would have assumed it was grilled bell pepper because it looked and tasted like it.

My dining companions Laura and Pamela looked on as they ate their more traditional fare: Laura had cheese enchiladas for $9.50 and Pamela had a burrito dinner with fajita meat for $12.50.

Pamela joked that I’d better have plenty of water on hand to wash down all the prickly cactus, but as the thorns had all been removed by the chef, I had no problem.

I marvelled over the fact that I was eating cactus and liking it. It tasted so healthy. And apparently it is pretty good for you.

According to the Mayo Clinic website, prickly pear cactus has been shown to decrease blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It’s also high in fiber, antioxidants and carotenoids. Some research, the website says, suggests that it may also lessen the unpleasant effects of a hangover, possibly due to its anti-inflammatory effects. What’s not to love about cactus?

I thoroughly enjoyed my Rosita’s Pechuga Asada Plate, and they can officially put on the list as being a fan of cactus.

Rosita’s 2 Mexican Restaurant opened about a year and a half ago, according to our food server, Nancy. The original Rosita’s is at 2401 E. Napoleon St. in Sulphur.

Rositas 2 is a small, intimate place with friendly staff. Peppy Mexican tunes set the mood as diners dine. Rosita’s 2 serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with a full menu all day.

Of special note is a life-sized mannequin in the dining area wearing a wide sombrero and holding a knife above a figure of Chucky, of horror film fame.

Hours are 10:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. Tuesday – Sunday. Rosita’s 2 is closed on Monday.