WORTH THE TRIP

(By James M Thresher -- The Washington Post)

CAMARONES AL CANCUN

When El Mariachi restaurant opened on Rockville Pike in 1992, a shrimp fajitas dish called Camarones al Cancun ($15.95) was an occasional special. It became so popular that owner Jose Perez put it on the daily dinner menu. The half-pound of succulent shrimp, tossed with achiote spice from the Yucatan Peninsula, is broiled and comes sizzling on a platter with onions and green pepper. Tortillas, guacamole, sour cream and pico de gallo are on the side. Rice and beans, too. It's not listed on the lunch menu, but regulars know you can order it anyway.

El Mariachi, 765-C Rockville Pike, Rockville (in the Ritchie Center); 301-738-7177.

Know of a dish that's worth the trip? Send an e-mail to food@washpost.com; be sure to include "Worth" in the subject field.