Yes, its another Mexican restaurant in Cortez, but La Casitas kitchen has been bustling ever since it opened its doors on Thursday, Jan. 5.
Owners Jesse Quinonez and Chef Isidro Jimenez are convinced that they will find long-term success with La Casita.
We serve quality Mexican food at affordable prices, Quinonez said. And I guarantee our food is the best.
Quinonez, who has been in the restaurant business for more than 40 years, urges people to visit La Casita to see if hes telling the truth.
According to one of La Casitas newest regulars, Diane Adelson, La Casita, which is located across from City Market on North Harrison Street, offers authentic Mexican dishes.
Im always looking for real Mexican food, and this is it, Adelson said while enjoying a recent lunch at La Casita. I was here the first night they opened. Its great. Im from El Paso, so I know. And they have great beans.
Quinonez, who moved here from California in 2005, said La Casitas refried pinto beans are unique in their taste and consistency.
The beans have the perfect consistency theyre not too runny its a Spanish recipe with mixed vegetables in it.
Jimenez said he has been busy in the kitchen ever since they opened.
One of his most popular dishes is the steak ranchero, 8 ounces of New York strip steak served with a roasted Anaheim pepper on top. The dinner also includes Spanish rice, pinto beans, a cheese enchilada and a cup of albondigas soup, a traditional Mexican meatball soup.
This is about as close as you can get to mamas home cooking, Quinonez said.
Quinonez said they also focused on the restaurants atmosphere and worked on making it appealing for everyone.
We searched up and down to find what was missing here and tried to find what appeals to everyone, he said.
Adelson, now officially a fan of La Casita, agreed. Its a very nice atmosphere in here, she said. They did a good job.
Quinonez said members of his staff are especially friendly to guests and with their fellow staff members.
My staff are all from Mexico, he said. And theyre always happy; they all have very positive attitudes.
Items on the lunch menu include combination platters made of one to three items, with choices that include a taco, enchilada, chile relleno, tamale, small tostada and bean and cheese burrito.
A variety of la carte lunch items are also available. For dinner the restaurant offers appetizers and all the American classics, such as buffalo wings and potato skins. La Casita also has all the standard Mexican cuisine favorites.
La Casita is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week. Lunch is served from 11 to 3 p.m. and dinner is served from 3 p.m. to close.
For more information, call La Casita at 565-0223 or visit the restaurant at 17 N. Harrison St., Cortez.
Reach Nathalie Winch at nathaliew@cortezjournal.com.