Click for bigger image.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Roundup #21
Here's another entry where I cover some stuff that doesn't fit neatly into a standard restaurant review. If this is your first time here don't let this entry throw you off; we really do have tons of reviews of Mexican restaurants, in fact over 250, so just keep scrolling down.
Mexican restaurants I've reviewed before that I've visited since the last roundup entry for non-review purposes include: Rubio's, Del Taco, Amorelia Mexican Cafe, Tacos el Chavito, Gabbi's Mexican Kitchen, The Chili Pepper, La Salsa, El Fortin (Stanton), Rancho del Zocalo, Alebrijes, El Pollo Loco, Taco Rosa, Las Fajitas, Matador Cantina, Soho Taco, Sol Cocina, Olamendi's Deli (formerly Olamendi's Pop's Tacos & Sandwiches), Gammy's Cafe, Azteca's, Sharky's, Tacos & Co., Baja Fish Tacos, Cafe Maiz, Tortilla Jo's, On the Border, Taleo, Taco Mesa, Tacos Jerez, Chronic Tacos, Cancun Fresh, Fresca's Mexican Grill, Taco Adobe, El Mejor Taco, and El Gallo Giro.
Non-Mexican restaurants that I've visited since the last roundup entry include: Market Broiler, Da Luau, Bread Crumb 'Ohana Cafe, Athens West, King's Hawaiian, Deli-licious, Funashin, Silky Sullivan's, Cafe Grill, In-N-Out, The Counter Burger, Sandy's Beach Grill, Break of Dawn, Jerry's Woodfired Dogs, Genghis Khan Mongolian BBQ, Clearman's Steak 'N Stein, Gyro King, Prego Ristorante, Mrs. Knott's Chicken-To-Go, Mugen Japanese Cuisine, 50 Forks, Lucci's, Lee's Sandwiches, Fatburger, Mad Greek, Daily Grill, Nalu's Island Grill, Rumbi Island Grill, India Palace, and Eat Chow.
Show your ticket stub to the car show at Mi Casa in Costa Mesa and get 25% OFF your total bill!! Click the image to see a much bigger one with all the details. Goes from June 4th to 26th, 2011.
Fans of Del Taco’s fresh-cooked, grilled marinated chicken will find a special treat – times 8 -- in the new Ultimate Grilled Chicken Burrito, which makes its debut this week.
Ingredients include grilled chicken that has been marinated in a special recipe of spices and seasonings, zesty red sauce, seasoned rice, crisp lettuce, freshly grated cheddar cheese, fresh tomatoes, cool sour cream and tangy guacamole all wrapped in a warm flour tortilla.
“Our grilled marinated chicken has been a fan favorite for a long time because it's cooked fresh in our kitchens,” said John Cappasola, Del Taco’s Chief Brand Officer. “This freshness, of course, means better quality and lots more flavor. Now, in the new Ultimate Grilled Chicken Burrito, we’ve packed the best of Del Taco into one menu item.”
The Ultimate Grilled Chicken Burrito is offered at $2.99 and a meal for $5.79 that includes a small drink and crinkle-cut fries. With a spotlight on its grilled marinated chicken, Del Taco is also offering 2 for $5 Del Classic Chicken Burritos and 5 Chicken Soft Tacos for $4.95.
Faithful readers of the blog know that I mention Jarritos every once in a while. I've long been a fan of them and last year they wrote me asking if I wanted some samples sent. I told them that I already liked them but to go ahead and send the samples because I was pretty sure I hadn't tried all their flavors yet. Most places just have 2 or 3 of the eleven flavors then available. So I got the package (seen above with the cool t-shirt) and it had the following flavors in it:
Now they have come out with a new flavor, Mexican Cola, which, like their other flavors, is sweetened with natural sugar, not high fructose corn syrup. Before my samples of Mexican Cola arrived I asked a a couple taquerias and taco trucks in the area if they had seen the new flavor and some of them said that they had already been selling it but that it kept selling out. The wide variety of Jarritos flavor makes a welcome break from the typical "Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite" choice you get at most places.
Follow Jarritos on Facebook (has apps, contests, etc.) or Twitter.
Mexican restaurants I've reviewed before that I've visited since the last roundup entry for non-review purposes include: Rubio's, Del Taco, Amorelia Mexican Cafe, Tacos el Chavito, Gabbi's Mexican Kitchen, The Chili Pepper, La Salsa, El Fortin (Stanton), Rancho del Zocalo, Alebrijes, El Pollo Loco, Taco Rosa, Las Fajitas, Matador Cantina, Soho Taco, Sol Cocina, Olamendi's Deli (formerly Olamendi's Pop's Tacos & Sandwiches), Gammy's Cafe, Azteca's, Sharky's, Tacos & Co., Baja Fish Tacos, Cafe Maiz, Tortilla Jo's, On the Border, Taleo, Taco Mesa, Tacos Jerez, Chronic Tacos, Cancun Fresh, Fresca's Mexican Grill, Taco Adobe, El Mejor Taco, and El Gallo Giro.
Non-Mexican restaurants that I've visited since the last roundup entry include: Market Broiler, Da Luau, Bread Crumb 'Ohana Cafe, Athens West, King's Hawaiian, Deli-licious, Funashin, Silky Sullivan's, Cafe Grill, In-N-Out, The Counter Burger, Sandy's Beach Grill, Break of Dawn, Jerry's Woodfired Dogs, Genghis Khan Mongolian BBQ, Clearman's Steak 'N Stein, Gyro King, Prego Ristorante, Mrs. Knott's Chicken-To-Go, Mugen Japanese Cuisine, 50 Forks, Lucci's, Lee's Sandwiches, Fatburger, Mad Greek, Daily Grill, Nalu's Island Grill, Rumbi Island Grill, India Palace, and Eat Chow.
Barret-Jackson Car Show Promo at Mi Casa
Show your ticket stub to the car show at Mi Casa in Costa Mesa and get 25% OFF your total bill!! Click the image to see a much bigger one with all the details. Goes from June 4th to 26th, 2011.
Del Taco Ultimate Grilled Chicken Burrito
Fans of Del Taco’s fresh-cooked, grilled marinated chicken will find a special treat – times 8 -- in the new Ultimate Grilled Chicken Burrito, which makes its debut this week.
Ingredients include grilled chicken that has been marinated in a special recipe of spices and seasonings, zesty red sauce, seasoned rice, crisp lettuce, freshly grated cheddar cheese, fresh tomatoes, cool sour cream and tangy guacamole all wrapped in a warm flour tortilla.
“Our grilled marinated chicken has been a fan favorite for a long time because it's cooked fresh in our kitchens,” said John Cappasola, Del Taco’s Chief Brand Officer. “This freshness, of course, means better quality and lots more flavor. Now, in the new Ultimate Grilled Chicken Burrito, we’ve packed the best of Del Taco into one menu item.”
The Ultimate Grilled Chicken Burrito is offered at $2.99 and a meal for $5.79 that includes a small drink and crinkle-cut fries. With a spotlight on its grilled marinated chicken, Del Taco is also offering 2 for $5 Del Classic Chicken Burritos and 5 Chicken Soft Tacos for $4.95.
Jarritos
Faithful readers of the blog know that I mention Jarritos every once in a while. I've long been a fan of them and last year they wrote me asking if I wanted some samples sent. I told them that I already liked them but to go ahead and send the samples because I was pretty sure I hadn't tried all their flavors yet. Most places just have 2 or 3 of the eleven flavors then available. So I got the package (seen above with the cool t-shirt) and it had the following flavors in it:
- Mandarin
- Fruit Punch
- Lime
- Jamaica
- Mango
- Strawberry
- Pineapple
- Tamarind
- Guava
- Grapefruit
- Tutti Frutti (I think this flavor my have been dropped - too similar to Fruit Punch?)
Now they have come out with a new flavor, Mexican Cola, which, like their other flavors, is sweetened with natural sugar, not high fructose corn syrup. Before my samples of Mexican Cola arrived I asked a a couple taquerias and taco trucks in the area if they had seen the new flavor and some of them said that they had already been selling it but that it kept selling out. The wide variety of Jarritos flavor makes a welcome break from the typical "Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite" choice you get at most places.
Follow Jarritos on Facebook (has apps, contests, etc.) or Twitter.
Other Mexican Food Articles
While this blog is the only one I know of that is specifically dedicated to Mexican food in Orange County it's certainly not the only press outlet that ever mentions it. I hope to link to even more things in the future but for now here's a couple links to to other recent articles about Mexican food in the county:Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Angels Viewing Party at Mi Casa
Catch this one before it goes away. Just wear Angels Red to Mi Casa in Costa Mesa tonight and receive a pair of tickets to the June 29th Angels game. (While supplies last.)
Click the image for a much bigger version which gives all the details.
Click the image for a much bigger version which gives all the details.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Taqueria Zamora
| Taqueria Zamora 3121 S Main St Santa Ana, CA 92707 (714) 557-0907 Listing on Local.com Listing on Urbanspoon Official Site |  |
If you look up at the top of this blog it says that the number of restaurants reviewed so far at this blog is 262. That number is only going to go up. Some of those reviews are guest reviews of places I haven't personally been to yet but most of them are ones I wrote. How many have of those have I been to? I'd say a good guess is 230. Plus there's all the ones I'd been to in the county before starting this blog that haven't been written up yet and a small handful that I've been to since starting this blog where I just wasn't in the mode for doing a review. If you take all those places and rule out half or three-quarters of them or maybe even more than that as too Americanized I still think I've been to some pretty darn Mexican places. I mean places where only Spanish is spoken, where they laugh at you for ordering a burrito (even when you actually said "Jarritos"), where at least one kind of meat is served that gives gabachos second thoughts about eating there. So, yes, I think I've had a pretty good breadth of experience, notwithstanding the fact that my quest is still under way and there's still untamed horizons out there.
So imagine my surprise when Gustavo Arellano recently mentioned at the OC Weekly that the two most Mexican restaurants in Orange County were Taqueria Zamora and La Raza, two spots I had never been to. I had to get to one of them and soon and find out what was so Mexican about them.
A week or so later I made it to Taqueria Zamora on Main St. in Santa Ana. When I pulled in the parking was so crowded that I figured I'd have to come back another day but I waited a little bit and somebody finally pulled their car out from a spot right in front of the restaurant.
I walked in only to find that it's like many other Mexican restaurants I've been to, same kind of menu, same kind of clientele, same kind of interior with the Budweiser sign on the wall, pictures of youth soccer teams, etc. I tried to hard to find something that made it even more Mexican than "already very Mexican" and was hard pressed to do so until . . . until the mariachis came. One by one they filed in. But they didn't necessarily play to the crowd. They went over to one guy's table, played two songs for him . . . and left. And I thought, "Maybe that's what makes this one of the most Mexican places round."
In addition to starting you out with free chips and salsa you also get a little plate of beans with some cotija cheese sprinkled on top:
When I ordered I asked for a bowl of pozole and a birria taco. Somehow it came back as two tacos, one birria and one something else, possibly lengua. The tortillas are so large and they give you such a mound of meat on each that I decided to save the pozole for my next visit. Both meats were very moist and tender with flavors rounded out by onions and cilantro (lots of cilantro), radish and limes. The photo doesn't quite convey that these were BIG tacos:
When I made it back a few days later to claim my bowl of pozole I grabbed a Sidral Mundet apple soda from their fridge and took it to my table before ordering. The next thing I know a guy with a bottle opener came right over and popped the lid off the bottle for me without me even asking for help. This was an employee taking a break at a nearby table and he saw the need and he addressed it. Now that's what I call service.
The pozole was very standard, not bad but not at the level of some others I've had. It had chunks of bone in it that were easy to pick out and for some reason they served shredded lettuce on the side with it rather than cabbage. Maybe I caught them at a cabbage-less moment?
On the third visit I found the front dining area full so I went into the back dining area for the first time. On my prior two visits I had peeked into the back dining area and saw it full and festive each time. This time it was empty and cavernous and lonely but there was nowhere else to sit so in I went. But before my food was ready a table up front opened up and one of the employees found me and asked if I wanted to take it. They are anticipating my needs without me even expressing my needs. Now that's what I call service.
I tried the chilaquiles that Gustavo had called the second-best chilaquiles in the county. With so many choices second-best still isn't bad. Next time I'll get it without the steak, which was unfortunately too tough. But there was nice fluffy rice and eggs and chips that soaked up all their spicy, spicy sauce until they maybe weren't even chips anymore but triangular pieces of hot sauce. And I also got a salsa verde this time that I hope they bottle because it had possibly the most full-bodied and satisfactory flavor I've ever had in a salsa. I couldn't finish the whole chilaquiles dish there (my bad for having had more cereal beforehand at my place than I should've) so they gave me one of the typical styrofoam to-go containers but untypically included a baggie of fresh chips and a clean, plastic cup of fresh hot sauce. Now that's what I call service.
When I saw Gustavo giving a lecture at the Fullerton Public Library later I asked him what he thought made it the most Mexican place and confirmed that even more than the food it's the service and hospitality and overall vibe there. Agreed. Forget Olive Garden; when you're at Taqueria Zamora you're family. Four Speedy Gonzaleses:
The complete photo album (16 photos so far) can be viewed at flickr.
OC Weekly entries on Taqueria Zamora:
Friday, May 27, 2011
Taco Mesa Going to a New Level
COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA - May 23, 2011
The new 20th Anniversary Menu features changes and updates that enhance their original intention and highlight their consistent commitment to outstanding quality coupled with an unbeatable value to their consumer. Founder Ivan Calderon is proud to announce a year of celebration at Taco Mesa.
"Staying true to our philosophy of Healthy & Authentic we've developed a new menu with the help of our executive chef, Javier Zambrano which truly reflects our original intention. Ingredients that are organic, wild caught fish, and natural chicken and beef (free of steroids, hormones and antibiotics) as well as identifying gluten free options within our menu. We use recipes that have been passed down from our ancestors, the Mayan, Aztec and Spanish ~ fused with contemporary technique and innovation. We prepare food in small batches daily to assure quality and freshness."
Taco Mesa has an ongoing committed to a 'green' environmental approach and is excited to embrace the new areas of opportunity to create an ecologically mindful dining experience which carries through to the back of the house. Changes and updates are in process and will be part of the year of celebration at all Taco Mesa locations. "It's a time of positive energy and appreciation for the past 20 years of growing our family business in Orange County. Our true partnership has been with the community and we feel deep gratitude for the steadfast support we have received throughout the last 20 years. We remain faithful to our original vision, commitment and to our community."
Ivan Calderon has continued to step beyond his role as restaurateur throughout the last 20 years, maintaining a standard of excellence in business as well as a gracious and generous spirit of giving and community involvement.
TACO MESA Healthy and Authentic debuts 20th Anniversary Menu and gears up for a year of celebration!
The new 20th Anniversary Menu features changes and updates that enhance their original intention and highlight their consistent commitment to outstanding quality coupled with an unbeatable value to their consumer. Founder Ivan Calderon is proud to announce a year of celebration at Taco Mesa.
"Staying true to our philosophy of Healthy & Authentic we've developed a new menu with the help of our executive chef, Javier Zambrano which truly reflects our original intention. Ingredients that are organic, wild caught fish, and natural chicken and beef (free of steroids, hormones and antibiotics) as well as identifying gluten free options within our menu. We use recipes that have been passed down from our ancestors, the Mayan, Aztec and Spanish ~ fused with contemporary technique and innovation. We prepare food in small batches daily to assure quality and freshness."
Taco Mesa has an ongoing committed to a 'green' environmental approach and is excited to embrace the new areas of opportunity to create an ecologically mindful dining experience which carries through to the back of the house. Changes and updates are in process and will be part of the year of celebration at all Taco Mesa locations. "It's a time of positive energy and appreciation for the past 20 years of growing our family business in Orange County. Our true partnership has been with the community and we feel deep gratitude for the steadfast support we have received throughout the last 20 years. We remain faithful to our original vision, commitment and to our community."
Ivan Calderon has continued to step beyond his role as restaurateur throughout the last 20 years, maintaining a standard of excellence in business as well as a gracious and generous spirit of giving and community involvement.
Est 1991
Taco Mesa originally opened on 19th Street in Costa Mesa, CA and still remains a local favorite at this original location. Since opening in 1991, Taco Mesa has grown to have 4 locations throughout Orange County: Costa Mesa, Mission Viejo, Ladera Ranch and Orange. Taco Rosa Mexico City Cuisine was founded by Ivan Calderon as the 'full-service' concept with 2 locations, Newport Beach and Irvine - www.tacorosa.com.Thursday, May 19, 2011
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Breakfast at Fresca's
Just found out from Twitter recently that three locations of Fresca's Mexican Grill (Brea, Huntington Beach, Tustin) are now serving breakfast. I tried it this morning in Tustin and got the "Huevos McFresca's" (hmm, now that name sounds familiar) which is basically a breakfast torta with "scrambled eggs, grilled ham, melted cheese, lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise on a fresh Mexican roll," with potatoes, onions and peppers on the side. Other options are huevos rancheros, chorizo con huevos, chorizo burrito and chilaquiles. Each selection comes with a glass of orange juice.
Friday, May 06, 2011
Monday, May 02, 2011
Del Taco Big Fat Crispy Chicken Tacos . . . and More
Del Taco's PR has just sent me the above image of their new Big Fat Crispy Chicken Tacos. Will be giving these a try sometime but coincidentally I went through one of their drive-thrus this morning and got a breakfast burrito and one of their new root beer float shakes. Normally I wouldn't have a shake at breakfast but I wanted to try this and I justified it by telling myself it was a late breakfast. They also have new Mac & Cheese Crunch Bites.
(Lake Forest, CA) May 2, 2011 – Del Taco’s Big Fat Crispy Chicken Tacos will have bigger taste than ever with the introduction of two new flavors - Creamy Chipotle, with a bold kick, and Bacon Ranch, an American classic made with ranch sauce and real bacon.
At $2.29, the Big Fat Crispy Chicken Tacos feature a crispy, golden chicken strip, crisp lettuce, fresh tomatoes, and grated cheddar cheese wrapped in warm flatbread with a choice of Creamy Chipotle sauce or Bacon with Ranch sauce. Del Taco will also be offering a popular "2 for" promotion with two Big Fat Crispy Chicken Tacos for $4.
This week, Del Taco is also introducing Crispy Chicken Burritos with a choice of Creamy Chipotle sauce or Bacon with Ranch sauce. Offered at $2.99, the Crispy Chicken Burritos include two crispy, golden chicken strips, crisp lettuce, fresh tomatoes, grated cheddar cheese, and a choice of Creamy Chipotle sauce or Bacon with Ranch sauce wrapped in a warm flour tortilla.
"Our fans know and love how Del Taco delivers great flavor combinations that fill them up at unbeatable prices. Our new Crispy Chicken menu items are a great example of that and besides, Crispy Chicken just tastes better in tacos and burritos," said John Cappasola, Chief Brand Officer at Del Taco.
Del Taco fans can receive a coupon for a free Big Fat Crispy Chicken Taco with any purchase when they “like” Del Taco on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/deltaco. Fans can also join Del Taco's Raving Fan eClub at http://www.deltaco.com/ravingfan for free food and exclusive offers.
At Del Taco, all menu items are made to order using fresh ingredients including freshly grated cheddar cheese, hand-made salsa, slow-cooked lard-free beans and marinated chicken grilled fresh every hour. The menu includes Mexican offerings of tacos, burritos, quesadillas and nachos as well as American favorites like hamburgers, fries and milk shakes. Del Taco also serves breakfast and most restaurants are open 24 hours with a drive thru. Del Taco restaurants serve more than three million customers each week.
I should say I love root beer shakes. Used to make them when I worked at Jack in the Box as a teenager by getting root beer syrup (minus the typically accompanying soda water) from the soda fountain and mixing it in with the shake mix. Now that I don't work at Jack in the Box anymore it's hard for me to get my root beer shake fix. So, thanks, Del Taco.
Friday, April 08, 2011
Cha Cha's Gift Card Contest
Congratulations to the following three winners of the Cha Cha's Gift Card Contest:
Also, click here to find out about Cha Cha's 50% Off for Tax Relief Monday on April 11th.
Cha Cha's Tacos and Tequila in Brea has given me three $20 gift cards to give out to three lucky winners. To enter the contest answer the following three questions correctly to be placed in a drawing for one of the cards. Entries need to be in by 11:59:59pm Pacific Time on April 7th. The drawing will then take place on Friday, April 8th, and winners will be announced later that day.
E-mail your answers to reviews@ocmexfood.com. Entrants will only be asked for their mailing address if they are identified as a winner.
Following are press releases about events occurring at Cha Cha's on March 21st and March 23rd:
Guests need to present the savings certificate, which can be printed from Cha Cha's Web site. The certificate can be seen here.
"Our 50 percent off promotion is one of our guest's favorites," said Don Myers co-partner of Cha Cha's Taco & Tequila. "Guests can come in and try something new, or get one of their favorites for an amazing price. The restaurant fills quickly, so we recommend making a reservation."
Cha Cha's Tacos & Tequila offers an alternative to traditional Mexican cuisine. Using quality seasonal and organic ingredients, the Latin-inspired menu features spectacular Latin food prepared in a wood-fired oven, and a variety of fresh house made fire-roasted salsas, which hint to the natural and abundant flavor profiles found in every dish.
That same attention to detail carries on to their hand-crafted cocktails, where they use only fresh-squeezed juices, house-made sour mixes, 100 percent Blue Agave Tequilas for their Margaritas and fresh fruit garnishes.
"We want our guests to be able to enjoy new menu items without thinking about the price," said Peter Serantoni, co-partner of Cha Cha's Taco & Tequila. "Once guests try our food, we know they won't be disappointed and we will see them again."
During Erendida Day, 25 percent of all bar sales will be given directly to Erendida to cover a portion of her missed tips and medical expenses.
Last September, Erendida was diagnosed with an incredibly aggressive Stage-1 breast cancer and had surgery last October to remove the cancer. Recently, Erendida's doctors told her that she needs to have chemotherapy to drastically reduce the chances of the cancer returning.
"Erendida has been with us since we opened and has grown to be one of our favorites due to her upbeat attitude no matter what life throws her way," said Don Myers, co-partner of Cha Cha's Tacos and Tequila. "When we heard what Erendida was going through we knew we needed to do something to help her."
In addition, Dwight Manley, local philanthropist and community activist will be matching the funds Cha Cha's is giving to Erendida. "Erendida is the epitome of Cha Cha's - sweet, friendly, smiling, and a quality person." said Manley. "Brea Downtown is really a 'family' of unique and quality establishments, and she is part of that family. I invite everyone else to help Erendida and show your Brea pride."
Cha Cha's Tacos & Tequilas is located in Brea Downtown at 110 W. Birch St, Brea, CA 92821.
- Norma L.
- Lloyd L.
- Johan M.
Also, click here to find out about Cha Cha's 50% Off for Tax Relief Monday on April 11th.
Cha Cha's Tacos and Tequila in Brea has given me three $20 gift cards to give out to three lucky winners. To enter the contest answer the following three questions correctly to be placed in a drawing for one of the cards. Entries need to be in by 11:59:59pm Pacific Time on April 7th. The drawing will then take place on Friday, April 8th, and winners will be announced later that day.
- What is one menu item that is only on Cha Cha's brunch menu?
- What is the name of one of the owners at Cha Cha's?
- What event occurs every Thursday at Cha Cha's?
E-mail your answers to reviews@ocmexfood.com. Entrants will only be asked for their mailing address if they are identified as a winner.
Following are press releases about events occurring at Cha Cha's on March 21st and March 23rd:
Cha Cha's Tacos & Tequila in Brea Downtown Celebrates Spring Break With a 50 percent Discount on Entrees
BREA, Calif. (March 11, 2011) – Cha Cha's Tacos & Tequila, the fresh innovative Latin restaurant located in Brea Downtown, is offering guests a 50 percent discount on all of their delicious entrees on March 21 to celebrate Spring Break.Guests need to present the savings certificate, which can be printed from Cha Cha's Web site. The certificate can be seen here.
"Our 50 percent off promotion is one of our guest's favorites," said Don Myers co-partner of Cha Cha's Taco & Tequila. "Guests can come in and try something new, or get one of their favorites for an amazing price. The restaurant fills quickly, so we recommend making a reservation."
Cha Cha's Tacos & Tequila offers an alternative to traditional Mexican cuisine. Using quality seasonal and organic ingredients, the Latin-inspired menu features spectacular Latin food prepared in a wood-fired oven, and a variety of fresh house made fire-roasted salsas, which hint to the natural and abundant flavor profiles found in every dish.
That same attention to detail carries on to their hand-crafted cocktails, where they use only fresh-squeezed juices, house-made sour mixes, 100 percent Blue Agave Tequilas for their Margaritas and fresh fruit garnishes.
"We want our guests to be able to enjoy new menu items without thinking about the price," said Peter Serantoni, co-partner of Cha Cha's Taco & Tequila. "Once guests try our food, we know they won't be disappointed and we will see them again."
Cha Cha's Tacos & Tequila Invites You To Celebrate Erendida Day on March 23
BREA, Calif. (March 15, 2011) – Cha Cha's Tacos & Tequila, the fresh innovative Latin restaurant located in Brea Downtown, is sponsoring Erendida Day on Wednesday, March 23 to help and honor Erendida Jacobo, one of their opening bartenders who is currently undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer.During Erendida Day, 25 percent of all bar sales will be given directly to Erendida to cover a portion of her missed tips and medical expenses.
Last September, Erendida was diagnosed with an incredibly aggressive Stage-1 breast cancer and had surgery last October to remove the cancer. Recently, Erendida's doctors told her that she needs to have chemotherapy to drastically reduce the chances of the cancer returning.
"Erendida has been with us since we opened and has grown to be one of our favorites due to her upbeat attitude no matter what life throws her way," said Don Myers, co-partner of Cha Cha's Tacos and Tequila. "When we heard what Erendida was going through we knew we needed to do something to help her."
In addition, Dwight Manley, local philanthropist and community activist will be matching the funds Cha Cha's is giving to Erendida. "Erendida is the epitome of Cha Cha's - sweet, friendly, smiling, and a quality person." said Manley. "Brea Downtown is really a 'family' of unique and quality establishments, and she is part of that family. I invite everyone else to help Erendida and show your Brea pride."
Cha Cha's Tacos & Tequilas is located in Brea Downtown at 110 W. Birch St, Brea, CA 92821.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Pedro's Tacos (San Clemente)
Date of Visit: March 12, 2011
Shortly after starting this blog I was told by some friends that had moved out of state years earlier that they really liked a place in South Orange County called Pedro's Tacos. Not long after that I went to the Pedro's in San Juan Capistrano and figured I had found their prized food stop only to have it dawn on me that it wasn't the Pedro's I had been referred to. The Pedro's in San Juan Capistrano fits with the nearby mission theme while the Pedro's in San Clemente fits in with the surrounding surfer theme. In fact Pedro's surfer mascot looks like it could be buds with the Kanvas by Katin mascot.
Now, there are two Pedro's in San Clemente (and one or two in San Diego County) and they are both on El Camino Real. One is considered the south one and one is considered the north one. I tried the north one first and was dismayed to find out that it's a drive thru and a walkup window only with no seating to be found. A lot of people were ordering their food at the window and taking it back to their car to eat it. But the food is messy so I ate mine on the hood of my car.
It was also discouraging that the employees acted very disinterested and slightly annoyed that customers were showing up. Maybe I caught them at the wrong time. I try to give people the benefit of the doubt and try not to assume that their behavior in one encounter is what they are always like. And I tend to be more concerned about food quality than service so no biggie.
On this visit I got a fish taco, a carne asada taco, and their much lauded potato taco which is literally a taco with a fried hash brown in it, just like the kind I used to fry up when I worked at Jack in the Box before the clown was put back in charge, the kind that's shaped like a rectangle with slightly rounded corners. The fish taco and the potato taco come with cabbage and salsa and their dressing, similar to Del Taco's secret sauce. The carne asada taco comes with salsa and guacamole. All are served on a thick corn tortilla stuffed to the gills and almost overflowing then sort of wrapped and rolled into foil. I think I would've been fine with just two tacos. All were at least serviceable; none were too memorable. Oh, and their Heinz hot sauce packets tasted just like old school Taco Bell hot sauce. Kind of nostalgic.
Verdict: This is beach food, pure and simple. It is not meant to have the flavors too deeply analyzed. You go to Pedro's to load up on some sustenance so that you can concentrate on more important things in life: like enjoying the surf and the sand. Three Speedy Gonzaleses:
Date of Visit: March 14, 2011
Two days later I decided to try their south location. This spot actually has several outside tables, and employees that are slightly less blasé . . . but not much.
This time I got their chicken quesadilla, which was more like a cross between a quesadilla and a burrito (going off of the unique way it was folded) and their taquitos, which they list on their menu as "rolled tacos" but all the customers just call them taquitos. Again I ordered too much food; the quesadilla is a meal in itself and the chicken chunks inside are huge. Oh, and there's some cheese (American?) and guacamole in there too. The three taquitos (might've come from Costco) had coagulated into one solid shape with their grated cheese and guacamole toppings gladly joining the party.
My take on Pedro's is: don't go out of your way to get there but if you're nearby and you're hungry then give it a shot. It's also pretty cool just to watch all the surf mobiles going through the drive thru for some grub. And if you try that fried chicken taco on their menu leave a comment and let me know what it was like.
For having tables and somewhat more enthusiastic employees this Pedro's location gets 3.25 Speedy Gonzaleses:
View the complete photo album (17 photos so far) at flickr.
| Pedro's Tacos 550 N El Camino Real San Clemente, CA 92672 (949) 498-5908 Listing on Citysearch Listing on Urbanspoon Official Site | |
Shortly after starting this blog I was told by some friends that had moved out of state years earlier that they really liked a place in South Orange County called Pedro's Tacos. Not long after that I went to the Pedro's in San Juan Capistrano and figured I had found their prized food stop only to have it dawn on me that it wasn't the Pedro's I had been referred to. The Pedro's in San Juan Capistrano fits with the nearby mission theme while the Pedro's in San Clemente fits in with the surrounding surfer theme. In fact Pedro's surfer mascot looks like it could be buds with the Kanvas by Katin mascot.
Now, there are two Pedro's in San Clemente (and one or two in San Diego County) and they are both on El Camino Real. One is considered the south one and one is considered the north one. I tried the north one first and was dismayed to find out that it's a drive thru and a walkup window only with no seating to be found. A lot of people were ordering their food at the window and taking it back to their car to eat it. But the food is messy so I ate mine on the hood of my car.
It was also discouraging that the employees acted very disinterested and slightly annoyed that customers were showing up. Maybe I caught them at the wrong time. I try to give people the benefit of the doubt and try not to assume that their behavior in one encounter is what they are always like. And I tend to be more concerned about food quality than service so no biggie.
On this visit I got a fish taco, a carne asada taco, and their much lauded potato taco which is literally a taco with a fried hash brown in it, just like the kind I used to fry up when I worked at Jack in the Box before the clown was put back in charge, the kind that's shaped like a rectangle with slightly rounded corners. The fish taco and the potato taco come with cabbage and salsa and their dressing, similar to Del Taco's secret sauce. The carne asada taco comes with salsa and guacamole. All are served on a thick corn tortilla stuffed to the gills and almost overflowing then sort of wrapped and rolled into foil. I think I would've been fine with just two tacos. All were at least serviceable; none were too memorable. Oh, and their Heinz hot sauce packets tasted just like old school Taco Bell hot sauce. Kind of nostalgic.
Verdict: This is beach food, pure and simple. It is not meant to have the flavors too deeply analyzed. You go to Pedro's to load up on some sustenance so that you can concentrate on more important things in life: like enjoying the surf and the sand. Three Speedy Gonzaleses:
Date of Visit: March 14, 2011
| Pedro's Tacos 2313 S El Camino Real San Clemente, CA 92672 (949) 498-5904 Listing on Local.com Listing on Google Places Official Site | |
Two days later I decided to try their south location. This spot actually has several outside tables, and employees that are slightly less blasé . . . but not much.
This time I got their chicken quesadilla, which was more like a cross between a quesadilla and a burrito (going off of the unique way it was folded) and their taquitos, which they list on their menu as "rolled tacos" but all the customers just call them taquitos. Again I ordered too much food; the quesadilla is a meal in itself and the chicken chunks inside are huge. Oh, and there's some cheese (American?) and guacamole in there too. The three taquitos (might've come from Costco) had coagulated into one solid shape with their grated cheese and guacamole toppings gladly joining the party.
My take on Pedro's is: don't go out of your way to get there but if you're nearby and you're hungry then give it a shot. It's also pretty cool just to watch all the surf mobiles going through the drive thru for some grub. And if you try that fried chicken taco on their menu leave a comment and let me know what it was like.
For having tables and somewhat more enthusiastic employees this Pedro's location gets 3.25 Speedy Gonzaleses:
View the complete photo album (17 photos so far) at flickr.
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