El Mariachi is on a roll. The restaurant has locations in Kaneohe and Aiea, and over the holidays opened an outpost in Kapo­lei Marketplace.

What I like about this place is that they don’t shy from heat. I scoffed a bit after being told the spicy shrimp would make us cry. Then I had to laugh when it did make my dining partner tear up with its smoky chipotle garlic sauce. I’m too tough to cry over spicy sauce, but I did have to take it slow.

I thought the ceviche would provide a cool counterpoint, but no, this delicious dish of fish or shrimp marinated with lime juice and tossed with tomatoes, onions and cilantro also had enough jalapenos to bite back.

Guajillo chilies power the sauce for El Mariachi’s simmered pork. I like that each of their sauces highlights the distinctive peppers.

Strangely enough, their salsa was a weak point, without heat and not enough cilantro.

Call 674-8226.

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