My childhood was spent in Temple City, a small suburb about 8 miles southeast of Pasadena. Most foodies know the area now as an Asian food mecca with lots of excellent dim sum and Chinese restaurants, but back in the day, it was nothing of the sort. In fact, I recall one of our neighbors on our then all-white street who wouldn't talk to my parents because they were in an interracial marriage (my mom is Japanese). Like I said, TC was a different place 20 years ago.
Temple City back then had a few mom and pop hamburger joints, some fast food places and our local Mexican restaurant, Casa del Rey. As a kid, it was one of my favorites. I didn't have a particular dish that I always ordered but I remember liking whatever I got every time. Not that my taste buds were as refined as they are now (ha), but it was basic Mexican food in a cozy atmosphere and I liked that. Going out to eat was always a special treat as well, and Casa del Rey was only one of a couple places that we went to semi-regularly.
On Friday, a couple of my childhood friends from the 'hood and I revisited Casa del Rey. Tawny, who I've known since I was 8 years old, ordered her favorite crispy beef taco combo, which comes with rice and beans. I opted for the carnitas soft tacos, also with rice and beans. We also - for the first time at Casa del Rey - ordered double margaritas (last time either of us were there, we were probably only 15 years old!). Everything was decent, though not great, but we enjoyed it nonetheless.
Jeff got the enchiladas, which he gave a big thumbs-up to. His was a combo as well, so it came with the standard-issue rice and beans. But Casa del Rey's rice is actually quite good; it's a bit dry but I actually prefer my Spanish rice to be on the dryer side. The beans come slathered in melted cheese. Yum.
Steve ordered the flautas, which, upon seeing it on his plate, reminded me that these used to be my favorite here. Of course I had to have a bite and they were as delicious as I remember - hot, crispy and packed with flavorful beef.
Again, this restaurant isn't the best Mexican food ever but it certainly holds a lot of good memories for all of us, and that's reason enough to revisit the place once in a while. For big, satisfying Mexican dishes and a walk down memory lane, we can't beat Casa del Rey.
2 comments:
There's nothing like a decent margarita to overcome mediocre food.
Cap that off with good friends and shared memories, and it sounds like a perfect evening.
I would give anything for even mediocre Mexican in NY. Mexican food is terrible here.
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