A tortilla makes a handy mouse pad, an acceptable patch for stiff denim jeans, and, if you draw a face on it, an ideal companion on fishing trips. But there are many other uses for it, as today's Groupon proves: for $10, you get $20 worth of freshly prepared Mexican eats at Rosa Linda's Fine Mexican Cuisine. This deal is good for both locations: McCall Avenue in Selma and West Bullard Avenue in Fresno.

Owner Rosalinda Tovar has been delighting Fresno-area eaters with authentic, award-winning Mexican cuisine since opening the first Rosa Linda's in Selma in 1997. Whipping up each delectable dish from scratch, Rosa Linda prides itself on fresh-to-order flavor. On weekends, patrons can partake of the accolade-earning menudo, or hominy and tripe soup ($6.25 for small bowl). Many a blushing taste bud has fallen prey to the tamales, a seductive selection of pork, chicken, or beef wrapped within a tailored waistcoat of fresh corn masa and an elegant corn-husk dinner jacket ($10.95 for plate of two). The popular Selma special features two crispy tacos stuffed with generous portions of grilled steak, lettuce, tomato, cheese, and guacamole ($10.95), and the fajitas deluxe showcases a sizzling triumvirate of beef, chicken, and shrimp with mixed veggies, guacamole, and sour cream ($14.95). For chronic coin-flippers, the list of combination plates stumps the stodgiest statisticians with its overwhelming set of flavor coefficients (up to $10.95). All entrees come with rice and beans.

The Selma location's shady covered patio makes a perfect place to enjoy a round of Tecate or Pacifico ($3.95) from Rosa Linda's imported beer list, or contemplate its bubbling fountain while quaffing a wine margarita ($3.75) or sangria ($3.50). Inside, gold-hued walls, festive murals, and appetizing aromas transport visitors southward, without the inconvenience of encountering a flock of chupacabras.

Reviews

Diners of Rosa Linda's Fine Mexican Cuisine are too busy enjoying their grub to write reviews of their experiences. However, the restaurant has won many awards in recent years, including the Union Bank of California's Salute to Small Business Award for Best Woman-owned Business in 2005, first place in the menudo cook-off at the Fiesta Friday Family Street Faire in 2005, Best Salsa at the Oakdale Heights 2nd Annual Salsa Festival in 2006, Best Mexican Food from Fresno magazine's Best of Fresno 2007, and Best Tasting Tamale In Town from B95's Tamale Festival in 2003. 100% of 10 Urbanspooners recommend Rosa Linda's.

• For incredibly authentic Mexican food, you really must try Rosa Linda’s Fine Mexican Cuisine. But don’t forget to bring along your friends. Good food and good friends equals a great meal. Enjoy! – Fresno Magazine, Urbanspoon
• These are hands down the best carne asada tacos I've had in a sit down dining atmostphere [sic]! – Nicole, Urbanspoon