VILLAHERMOSA, Mexico - Hungry and dehydrated victims of one of the worst floods in Mexico's history scrambled for government packages of food and medicine, while at least 20,000 people remained trapped Monday on the rooftops of homes swallowed by water.

Let’s just cut to the chase: Cantina Laredo is one of the best restaurants I’ve eaten at this year.

I want Mexican for lunch. My co-worker wants Chinese. Fortunately, we both can get what we want at Chino Bandido Takee-Outee. The super-casual Chandler restaurant features one of the East Valley’s most unusual “fusion” menus.

Ernie Serrano Sr., patriarch of the Serrano’s Mexican Food restaurants family, died Friday of bone cancer. He was 79. The Serranos lay claim to operating the oldest, continuous  family-owned business in Chandler, having opened its doors in 1919.

This story is for all the adventurous (some say insane) people out there who never judge a restaurant by its outside — or inside, for that matter.

Miguel Martinez, a 14-year-old orphan, bowled only once before, but he knows the game’s etiquette.

ADDRESS: 20221 N. 67th Ave., Glendale, in the Legends Shopping Center on the northeast corner of 67th Avenue and Loop 101.

PHONE NUMBER: 623-376-6270.

HOURS: 11 a.m. 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

OWNERS: Jennifer and Dino Kodofakas.

CUISINE: Fast-casual Mexican.

ADDRESS: 20221 N. 67th Ave., Glendale, in the Legends Shopping Center on the northeast corner of 67th Avenue and Loop 101.

PHONE NUMBER: 623-376-6270.

HOURS: 11 a.m. 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

OWNERS: Jennifer and Dino Kodofakas.

CUISINE: Fast-casual Mexican.

Jose de la Isla, guest commentary

An old favorite restaurant spot is getting new life with New Mexican-inspired cuisine.

Blue Adobe Grille (144 N. Country Club Drive, Mesa, [480] 962-1000). The carne adovada plate is the highlight of the New Mexican dishes found at this award-winning establishment. There’s an excellent selection of Southwest infused seafood as well, including lobster tamales with mango salsa and raspberry chipotle. $$

MONTERREY, Mexico - Authorities in the Mexican states along the Gulf of Mexico set up shelters, reviewed evacuation plans and stocked food distribution centers Wednesday as a precaution in case Hurricane Rita should veer off its expected path to landfall in Texas.

Arizona health officials have ordered a halt to the sale of two Mexican-made candies. Tests by California health officials found Dulmex Rollito de Tamarindo and Vero Vagabundo have high levels of lead.

Arizona health officials have ordered a halt to the sale of two Mexican-made candies. Tests by California health officials found Dulmex Rollito de Tamarindo and Vero Vagabundo have high levels of lead.

CANCUN, Mexico - Hurricane Wilma tore into Mexico's resort-studded Mayan Riviera on Friday with torrential rains and shrieking winds, filling the streets with water, shattered glass and debris as thousands of stranded tourists hunkered down in hotel ballrooms and emergency shelters.

There were moments when Ray Lindell, locked in a Mexican prison, thought he would never get his freedom back.

FORT WORTH, Texas - Few products are as closely associated with the American lifestyle as Coca-Cola.

PUERTO PEÑASCO, Mexico - It only took seconds for the five Mexican police officers to zero in on the American teenager hanging out with a local known drug dealer on a dusty street corner.