Jennifer McInnis | 210SA The large, inviting fireplace in the bar area and a spacious patio outside make Paloma Blanca a nice place to celebrate.

Paloma Blanca is not your average Mexican restaurant. Sure, the traditional dishes are cooked to perfection, but the restaurant goes out of its way to accommodate customers who are health-conscious or have dietary restrictions. For instance, the menu clearly notes items lower in saturated fat, carbohydrates and sodium. And a Celiac menu is available to identify gluten-free items. Also, seasoned, steamed vegetables can be substituted for rice and/or beans. So many options.

WHAT: Paloma Blanca

WHERE: 5800 Broadway

HOURS: 11a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Wednesday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Thursday-Friday; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday; (210) 822-6151; palomablanca.net

TASTE SENSATION: Chicken dishes are the specialty, but the Puntas de Puerco are what piqued our interest. The spicy marinated pork dish made our eyes water, but we savored every bite. The steamy plate of Enchiladas Tradicionales was oozing with Monterrey queso. Both dishes were served with a little bowl of borracho beans, just like grandma used to make. The Crema Lígera Poblana soup is a bowl of comfort with a kick, but not too spicy.

TUMS-WORTHY: The waitperson lost a few points for sweeping around our table while we were eating lunch, but chips and salsa bowls were quickly replenished and our tea glasses were consistently filled.

THE 210 TAKE: Don't let the fact that it's located in Alamo Heights deter you from trying Paloma Blanca. The large, inviting fireplace in the bar area and a spacious patio outside make Paloma Blanca a nice place to celebrate new jobs and special events or just have a margarita. Two private rooms can accommodate 55 to 150 people. And check out the tequila tastings held on the last Thursday of every month.

Jennifer McInnis | 210SA