We had dinner at Dona Tomas (5004 Telegraph Avenue in Oakland near 51st Street) and came away with mixed feelings. Don’t get me wrong, the food was good. But when was the last time you spent 70 bucks for two people on Mexican food?

The evening got off to a rocky start. We arrived around 6:30pm and were promptly seated in the Red Room. It was still early so only one other party was in the room. We sat around for a really long time until our annoyed looks finally drew us a server. Apparently they didn’t tell our server that our table was his. I’m not quite sure what was up with the complimentary chips and salsa because the chips were really hard (read: stale) and tough to eat. Tam was ready to kill for guacamole so we shared the Guacamole y Totopos and Quesadillas for appetizers and both got the Carnitas for our entree. The odd thing was the chips that came with the guacamole were thin, fresh, and really good. Why not serve those with the salsa instead? Go figure.

Thank goodness the Carnitas was really good, otherwise the evening would have been a loss. This wasn’t the greasy, fatty, kiss-of-death variety dredged out of a taco truck (don’t get me wrong, ain’t nothing wrong with that stuff) — we’re talking lean, slow-cooked, tender Niman Ranch pork goodness with the outside charred to a tasty crisp. They certainly weren’t fooling around with the portions either. About halfway through, I realized that two appetizers was a serious mistake. But I had a name to live up to. Jeff: 1. Carnitas: 0.

The other oddity of the evening was instead of refried beans, Tam’s plate came with mashed sweet potatoes. We’re guessing someone in the kitchen made a mistake because they look similar and dished the wrong thing on her plate. But rather than tossing it and starting with a clean plate, they served it to us anyway and gave her a side of beans.

By the time we were done eating around 8:00pm, the place was absolutely packed. And this was a Thursday. I’d say it’s okay to go and experience once, but because it’s not a good value, I don’t think we’ll be coming back.