Phantom Gourmet: Besito Mexican Restaurant

CHESTNUT HILL (CBS) -- Start with chips, salsa, and fresh made guacamole, move on to some tacos or a cheese smothered steak, finish with fresh fried churros, and don't forget the margaritas. When great Mexican is what you crave, you need to go to Besito.

With locations in Burlington and Chestnut Hill, Besito Mexican Restaurant is about as close as you can get to Mexico without a passport.

"When you walk into a Besito you are instantly overwhelmed by sort of the spirit of Mexico," says owner John Tunney. "The smell of the chiles. The sound of the music. The vibe in the place. The textures. The materials. The authenticity. That when you walk in the door, you know it immediately, you're in a Besito."

The dining room is decked out with decor Tunney has collected on his many trips south of the border. But John himself is usually back in the kitchen, sampling all the deliciously authentic Mexican recipes.

"This is the part of the day I love the most," says Tunney. "To taste something!"

There are crispy shrimp taquitos, and tortilla soup poured tableside. But John suggests any dish on the menu that's served with mole--from the roasted salmon to the enchiladas.

"This is one of the most difficult sauces to make," said Tunney. "It's complex--has the most amount of ingredients--and to taste a pot like this after hours and hours on the stove. This is what it's all about."

And just as good as the food is the hospitality. After all, Besito is Spanish for 'little kiss,' and John makes sure every customer feels the love every time they visit.

"I think when you visit a Besito you'll find out that it feels like you're removed from your every day life," said Tunney. "So you get this feeling that you're away. Its a really nice feeling. We do lots of little things that people love, and so when you get that in a local dining experience, it's a mind blower."

Watch Phantom Gourmet on Saturdays and Sundays at 10:30 and 11 a.m. on myTV38.