I decided to join yelp after trying Maria Maria Tempe last night. It wasn't due to an "extreme" dining experience (positive or negative) but just a compelling urge to share thoughts, especially with the restaurant owners/management.
I heard about Maria Maria in March so when a friend and I decided to meet for dinner Saturday night I suggested we give it a try. Website looked intriguing. Hadn't read any critic or user reviews prior to visit.
We met early evening and place was mostly empty. Decor reflected theme. Liked it.
I'm not going to critique every aspect (hostess, music, etc). My primary thought driving home centered around the menu and pricing. I thought the entree prices (available online) were very reasonable. So I was surprised at the inflated prices of other menu items after being seated. I don't mind spending $9 & up for a margarita, however when my drink arrived in the equivalent of an old fashioned, or rocks glass, sufficiently iced, I thought, "are they kidding?"
Some of the appetizers looked tempting but were inappropriately priced in comparison to the main entrees. $9 for guacamole lacks intuitive market understanding and insight in light of the current economy.
Both our entrees were good. I had the carnitas and my friend had the tacos. There are about 6 other entrees I want to try.
I just couldn't help feeling the place is too pretentious on certain levels and inspired with great ideas on other levels. I wanted it to work. It missed the mark.