The work of Frida Kahlo, the famous Mexican painter, can be described as straightforward: she painted herself, time and time again, often wearing the same expression, surrounded by the bright, floral color palette true to her roots.

Her face adorns one of the interior walls of the latest addition to downtown Madison, Halal Cantina, a remarkable Mexican restaurant that opened about two months ago.

Like Kahlo’s work, Halal Cantina may also be as straightforward as they come. The menu fits on one tabloid page; it includes what you’d expect from any Mexican restaurant, ranging from burritos through fajitas, and nothing more; ingredients are fresh and deftly articulated; and the guacamole is smooth, served in a mortar and pestle to underscore the care and intent deeply woven through the entire experience there.

Searching for a treat-for-me lunch while off from work, I came across Halal Cantina’s website and turned down 124 from Morristown to the vibrant Madison downtown. On my way to park – parallel, the best way in New Jersey – I streamed by a new, salmon-colored building, out of place amidst the curated historical architecture of the surrounding streets, with a Chipotle prominently anchoring the space. Given the experience I had at Halal Cantina – including brisk and attentive service, and a simple online ordering experience if you like – I implore you to skip the Chipotle slop bowl and skip just a few doors down to grab your burrito from Halal Cantina instead.

Sleepy Friday afternoons are prime opportunities for a lovely lunch and I noticed many patrons taking full advantage of the superior experience of dining at Halal Cantina.

When I sat down at my table for one, I observed the dishes at another table, enchiladas and tacos, which appeared artfully crafted and plenty.

A server quickly carried over a bowl of multicolor tortilla chips and a small vessel of pepper-forward salsa, freshly made, presented with a wide smile and a request for my beverage of choice. I had already decided on trying the guacamole and chicken fajitas prior to entering, so made haste of ordering everything at once, the server evidently happy to allow me to choose my own adventure.

I sampled the tortilla chips – crisp and ungreasy, with a light hand of salt – and learned they’re made from the house tortillas, which I’d come to find are supple, sturdy, and sublime.

Soon after placing my order, another server traveled to my table with a heaping mound of guacamole and another dish of delectable tortilla chips. Cool and smooth, the guacamole is just flavorful enough, rife with richly blended avocados.

Prior to seeing the chicken fajitas make their way to my table, I heard their distinctive sizzle from the kitchen, piping hot with tender ribbons of peppers and onions and a flavorful blend of spices wrapped around each morsel of chicken. I received three of the outstanding tortillas, perfect for assembling the ideal bite. In addition, I was also served a round plate filled to the brim with refried beans, thin sour cream painted across; a mound of the delicious guacamole; and the remaining third filled out with a yellow rice featuring peas strewn throughout (which I didn’t eat, though it looked well prepared). I took advantage of the many tortilla chips on the table to use them as vessels for the fajita extravaganza at my disposal. A smart choice.

Understanding quickly I’d want to write about this outstanding place, I peered at their online menu to examine whether any desserts were available. Flan was, and a good move it was to try. Housemade, just as every other part of the meal, the flan was a large portion of an inch-thick dense custard, drenched with dulce de leche, its nearly burnt sugar flavor complementing the cool mouthfeel of every perfectly intentional and straightforward taste.

If you haven’t been to downtown Madison lately, it’s well worth the trip. There you’ll find an old-timey toy store with an inimitable selection of must-have finds unlike the likes of Amazon; a used bookstore that feels like it’s out of the 15^th century; and clothing boutiques for every age and gender. There’s outstanding coffee and bakeries, and just up the road, you’ll find the luscious forest that is the Drew University campus, which an entire Shakespeare troupe calls home. Halal Cantina makes sense as your lunch go-to on your jaunt. What are you waiting for?