Showing posts with label Tex-Mex Food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tex-Mex Food. Show all posts

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Casa Bella-San Angelo, Texas





In the last few months I haven't eaten near as much Mexican food as I would like as I'm trying (rather unsuccessfully) to drop a few pounds in an effort to become more healthy.  The one place that I frequent quite a bit is Casa Bella. Because I am at Angelo State on Tuesdays and Thursdays it is very convenient.  AHHH but convenience isn't necessarily the only thing that draws me to this place.  I genuinely enjoy the food and service.  Lets face it this restaurant is new and it is growing.  What it lacks in atmosphere it makes up for in some of the best food and service San Angelo, Texas has to offer.  The gentlemen who own this place are slowly but surely adding the atmospheric touch but the food has been on point since day one.  I've had a number of different plates including Mia's Plate which consists of a small Ribeye topped with grilled onions, bell peppers, tomatoes and jalapenos along with rice and beans.  Rice is very aromatic and not dried out as many restaurants tend to do because of a long stay in the oven.  Refried beans are also very tasty and complete that particular plate out very well.  The appetizer chips come out to the table warm and with a very fruity red tomato salsa with a slight kick.  Nothing overwhelmingly burning about this salsa so to each his own.  They have daily lunch specials that are also very appealing.  Will's plate is one that comes to mind but I haven't gotten to try it again because I'm not there during the time it is served. Fajitas are another solid entree here and again very tasty and tender.  One of my favorite offerings of Casa Bella is the Caldo De Res.  This translates to Beef Soup in case you didn't know.  If I'm guessing the ingredients correctly of course you have some beef which seems to be chunks of tender roast along with cabbage, carrots, onions, cilantro, a little potato, and a small piece of corn on the cob with a little tomato sauce in the broth.  It is one of the best things you can have on a cold day and it is lovingly served with a side of your choice of corn or flour tortillas, some lime wedges, and some rice.  Although it needs no addition of anything to add to flavor I love to drop a little red salsa in for just a little more tomato and pepper flavor.  Cheese enchiladas are also very solid here as my wife has attested to.  A quote here from an old Cheech and Chong recording. Cheech on the phone with a prospective date asks the question: "OH you don't like Mexican food?" Apparently he gets a reply and then says,  "OOHHHHH ju don't like Mexicans!" Well I love me some MexiCANS and Casa Bella has quite a few of those because they can and do many things quite well.   Well if Mexican food isn't your thing then try the chicken strips.  My daughter told me they are some of the best she has had and she particularly liked the gravy.  Jared eats burgers everywhere and he was very satisfied.  Jonah is the bean connoisseur of our family and maybe even in San Angelo in his age bracket.  In speaking with one of the owners (as well as careful observance) it is very evident that the team concept prevails and is instilled in the staff here.  I mentioned to him that everyone is very attentive and it all boils down to the teaming concept.  Regardless of who you "belong" to as far as wait staff is concerned you will still be greeted, helped, and waited on by a slew of different people all trying to give you the best experience.  I have yet to be mistreated here in any way.  I asked the owner about their desserts and whether they were made in house because I had just consumed a delectable piece of Tres Leches cake and it was amazing.  Although this dessert was not made in house it is prepared in a local bakery and brought to the restaurant on a daily basis.  If you have a family and you are on a budget then obviously this place can meet your Mexican food craving and still keep your pocketbook intact.  There's not really anything on the menu that is very expensive which makes this place even better in my book.  If you are looking for a restaurant whose cuisine is just a little bit different than what's out there in San Angelo then stop by and see Will and the rest of the staff.  I'm sure that they can prepare you something that you will enjoy. 



Food: GREAT FOOD!

Atmosphere:          Atmosphere not quite there yet but they are working on it.

Prices: Prices for what you get here are most excellent.

Service:  From top to bottom service is some of the best ANYWHERE.

Overall: 1/2

For one of the newer places in town they are one of the shining examples of what hard work and determination can do.

Casa Bella On Facebook


Tuesday, February 15, 2011

The Hut Burritos Y Mas CLOSED



The Hut Burritos y Mas is a new Burrito hot spot in San Angelo. For those in South Texas Burrito = Taco. Tacos up here a lot of times if they are in a flour tortilla are called soft tacos. Yes, soft corn tortilla tacos are called the same thing. Now that we've had that little lesson can we start another one? Can you say, "LEGIT'"? Try it. Yeah that's good. Once more. You've got it. The Hut is truly legit' and makes some of the best home style food anywhere in San Angelo.



Housed in the previous Steak Express location the dining area is small and unassuming with about 8 tables and white walls decorated with black and white pictures of many local historical sites as well as others statewide. One of the important things I always look for when I sit down to eat somewhere is whether or not the dining area is clean even after a lunch rush. I visited twice and both times the restaurant was very clean.

People from all walks of life gather here to enjoy Chef Chapo's creations as evidenced by the Mercedes Benz and the Chevy Silverados out front. The menu contains quite a few options for breakfast and lunch. If you want to go the simple route you can B.Y.O.B. Build your own burrito that is. Tortilla, and eggs are the foundation and you can add two of these ingredients to complete your burrito: Cheese, Bacon, Sausage, Ham, Chorizo, Potatoes, or Refried beans. You can have your burrito in a 12 inch flour tortilla or SURPRISE SURPRISE in a corn tortilla. You can even make it a “Roadie” which is a burrito with your choice of ingredients chopped up into bite sized bits and put into a cup. I haven't tried this yet but I guess if you are going to eat while you drive its better to keep your clothes clean unless you don't mind eggs and cheese in your lap. The Hut also has some specialty burritos that range in price from $2.00 - $5.00. The Vaquero has guiso, refried beans, and cheddar cheese all for 2 buckaroonis. The Hut is the signature house burrito for $2.75 and is loaded with eggs chorizo, potatoes and cheese. Add a little salsa and you are good to go. The then there is the monstrous “Big Al” burrito. The Big all is a 2 pound burrito fill with Ham, Potatoes, and cheese wrapped in 2 flour tortillas for 5 bucks. One of the burritos I enjoyed for breakfast a few weeks back was the “Ave. N.” which is a combination of eggs, potatoes, bacon and cheddar cheese for $2.75. I decided after having the breakfast I would like to try out the lunch plates. Lunch has a few options and for a great price. I had the #8 Soft Taco plate. You have a choice of beef taco meat, Guiso, or beef or chicken fajita meat. Here's the great part: ALL FOR 5 Bucks and it includes rice and beans. I don't know where you can get a deal that good with those options. Also had a brisket burrito that was very delicious. I had their salsa and pico de gallo and both were solid. The one thing that really stuck out to me is that everything tastes like it was made at home. That's a big plus in my book. Home style cooking for a great price is just something that you don't find very often. The food is scrumptious and affordable. With that being said don't get any ideas about eating on fine china or that atmosphere will be the best. It's a burrito place after all. You can have soft drinks, bottled water or iced tea to drink. They do have free Wi-Fi there and that is a great way to have lunch and get a little work done too. Their staff is extremely attentive. I was checked on and asked many times if everything was good. Anything I needed, they were all too happy to pass on.


I definitely recommend The Hut for its low prices and home style cooking. You can't get a better deal in San Angelo on food this good. Great for a struggling college student like me.

LOCATION: Ave. N in San Angelo.

Prices: Cheap
Quality: High
Atmosphere: Bland
Service: Above and Beyond
Menu Selection: Adequate
Authenticity: Good