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Mid Rivers Newsmagazine is St. Charles County's
exclusive direct-mailed community newspaper. |
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Restaurant Spotlight Archive |
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El Azteca Offers A Unique Taste Of Mexican CuisineBy Mary Ann O'Toole Holley
The Aztecs, people of central Mexico in the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries, were a civilization with rich mythology and cultural heritage. Now, just two years as a resident, Jasso brings much of that same rich heritage to discerning diners. Beautifully hand-carved chairs surround tables; hand-painted scenes depicting Old Mexico are splashed across the walls. Each booth features a hand-painted tabletop, plenty of privacy and more than enough room for a pitcher of margaritas and a basket of chips with salsa. And there are Aztec calendars, gifts he has received from customers who listened as he tells his stories. “I like all kinds of foods, and I’ve been everywhere in Mexico collecting the best recipes,” Jasso said. “I’ve taken the best from many different cooks.” Mexican-style seafood is a big seller, Jasso said, and the Polo Chipotle ($8.50), featuring a creamy chipotle sauce, cilantro and rice and beans, can’t be found anywhere else. “A lot of customers don’t want to see a menu,” Jasso said. “All they order is the Polo Chipotle.” Carnitas ($8.49), a delicate pork simmered for eight hours is served in a Mexican “molcagete,” a heavy stone crock that could have very well been used by the Aztecs. “My mother cooked all the time,” said Jasso, who now joins his brother, Roberto, preparing special offerings learned at their mother’s side. El Azteca’s extensive menu is filled with many foods found at no other Mexican restaurants in the area. Stretching five pages, it’s sure to include an old or new favorite. The choriqueso ($4.99) is a delicious appetizer option, featuring Mexican chorizo sausage and cheese that goes great with El Azteca’s freshly made tortilla chips. The Azteca dip ($3.49) features a less spicy option, with ground beef, beans, cheese and pico de gallo. There are shrimp salads ($7.99) featuring grilled shrimp served on a bed of lettuce with tomatoes, onion, cucumber, bell peppers and shredded cheese. Steaks, like steak tampiqueno ($9.49) featuring a T-bone steak, rice and beans and a tossed salad or French fries make for more than a meal. Of course there are Mexican favorites like quesadillas, enchiladas and tamales, but if you’d enjoy a unique twist to those old favorites, go for the vegetable, spinach, shrimp or mushroom quesadilla ($5.99-$7.99). Jasso planned for more than a year before he opened his restaurant, with a goal of providing offerings for everyone, no matter what their tastes. Whether you’re deep into Mexican cuisine or prefer a bit of an American slant, El Azteca will fill the bill. Happy hour is held every Sunday through Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m. Every Tuesday there’s two for one special on Dos Equis. A lunch menu is offered daily. Alce Negro Tequila from Mexico is also served. “My customers say El Azteca is home of the best margaritas,” Jasso said. “That is their comment to me.” Oh, and don’t forget dessert. Sopapillas with ice cream are just $2.99, and the chimichanga cheese cake (a creamy cheesecake wrapped in a pastry tortilla and fried until flaky and golden, then dusted with cinnamon and sugar) rings up at just $3.50. All will definitely leave you satisfied. “I wanted to open a restaurant that would appeal to everyone,” Jasso said. “When people come into my restaurant, I want them to feel welcome and enjoy their meal.”
4265 Keaton Crossing O'Fallon, MO 63368 Phone: 636-300-1123
Hours Monday – Thursday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Friday – Saturday 11 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. Sunday – 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
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Raul Jasso is proud of his Mexican heritage, and when customers ask why he named his new O’Fallon area restaurant El Azteca, he reminds them of the story of the Aztecs and their great empire that once stretched throughout Mexico.
