El Paso Restaurant (Gonzales, LA)

Yesterday after a long day at work, I left the office hungry and seeking nourishment.  There was no time for lunch.  I don’t tend to eat breakfast.  5′o clock found me on the doorstep of El Paso Restaurant in Gonzales, Louisiana.  It’s a newer restaurant in the area featuring Mexican cuisine.  The restaurant is found in an abandoned Shoney’s restaurant building that has been renovated and renewed.  There’s plenty of seating for everyone, extremely friendly waitstaff, and great food.

I think what I like the most about this particular restaurant is that they have a really decent a la carte menu, my favorite way to order at a Mexican restaurant.  I’m not a fan of refried beans, and all that rice is just too much most of the time.  So what’s on all the plates you might be wondering?

• Tamale – Great flavor, topped with more ground beef and cheese with a wee bit of sour cream.  Seasoned well, but not too spicy (which I greatly appreciated).  I’m definitely ordering this again.
• Taco – Ground beef taco with lettuce, house-shredded cheese, and a super crunchy taco.  They must make those taco shells in house.  That didn’t come out of a box from the grocery store aisle.  So good.
• Enchiladas – Two chicken enchiladas stuffed with moist, tasty chicken and cheese.  Wrapped in a tortilla and topped with a cheese sauce, which I requested (I shy away from the tomato sauce).

My total bill with drink and tip came out to a bit more than $17, and I took one of the enchiladas home (it was one too many!).  Last time, my bill was right at $10 with a glass of water and one less a la carte menu item.  This is a place for a great, inexpensive meal with a smiling, helpful waitstaff.  I can sit back, relax, read my book, and get ready for the next portion of my day.  I’m so, so very happy to have a restaurant featuring some really good Mexican fare in my area again.

Be the bento everyone!

P.S. The photo is an Instagram pic (you can find me under the name bluefrogj).  I’ve been sharing more and more Instagram pics on my Twitter feed if you want to join me and check it out.  Also a few other notes.  The end of this week is busy with meetings and lunches, so I’ll be back with new bentos next week.  Tomorrow, there is another NYC photo post coming, and this weekend I’m hoping to perfect more of that lemon tart recipe.  Have a wonderful end of your week.  :)  ~Jenn