<b>By Pamela Brownstein</b>

I’m sure we’ve all noticed the changes to the outside of the former Port Royal Pasta Company building on Ribaut Road, and Lunch Bunch was excited to see what changes were in store inside the new Agave Mexican Grill.

[caption id="attachment_10878" align="alignleft" width="300"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/DSC_0230.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-10878" alt="Arroz con mariscos" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/DSC_0230-300x199.jpg" width="300" height="199" /></a> Arroz con mariscos[/caption]

In addition to chips and yummy salsa, we started with appetizers called sopes. These bowls of corn-based dough are topped with refried beans, lettuce, salsa, queso fresco, a slice of avocado, and a choice of chicken, chorizo, steak and carnitas. We tried one of each and they were really good.

Elizabeth ordered a beautiful plate of Arroz con Mariscos — grilled shrimp and scallops topped with nacho cheese and a special ranchero sauce, served with rice, lettuce, sour cream and guacamole.

Kim chose the healthy Cancun Salad that came with zucchini, mushrooms, squash, pico de gallo, cheese, onions, tomatoes and topped with grilled shrimp.

Buck went outside of his comfort zone and tried the Enchiladas Poblanas. The three beef,

[caption id="attachment_10879" align="alignright" width="150"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/DSC_0231.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-10879" alt="Cancun salad" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/DSC_0231-150x150.jpg" width="150" height="150" /></a> Cancun salad[/caption]

chicken and cheese enchiladas are topped with mole sauce, cheese and onions and served with a side of rice and guacamole salad. He liked the complexity of the mole sauce and was glad that he tried something new.

I ordered the house special, Molcajete, recommended by our helpful server, and it was delicious. It comes in a big stone bowl, and inside they pack warm carne asada, Mexican sausage, chicken, cactus, white cheese, cambray onions with avocado slices on top. I dug into the flavorful chicken and steak with melted cheese and dipped it in sour cream (a pregnant lady’s dream).

[caption id="attachment_10880" align="alignleft" width="150"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/DSC_0242.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-10880" alt="Flan, homemade Mexican custard" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/DSC_0242-150x150.jpg" width="150" height="150" /></a> Flan, homemade Mexican custard[/caption]

Of course, we could not resist dessert, so we shared a plate of churros — fried, twisted dough with sugar, cinnamon and honey — drizzled with chocolate and served with ice cream. We also tried the flan, homemade Mexican custard, with a lovely texture that melts in your mouth, and it was an excellent way to end the meal.

If you’re looking for a place to meet for happy hour, the attractive bar serves Mexican beers and specialty margaritas.

Agave Mexican Grill is located at 1430 Ribaut Road, Port Royal, SC. Lunch is served Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 843-379-0232.

[caption id="attachment_10881" align="alignleft" width="300"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/DSC_0226.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-10881" alt="Sopes" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/DSC_0226-300x199.jpg" width="300" height="199" /></a> Sopes[/caption]

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