El Paso Mexican Grill

Lainey Chatagnier
August 2, 2010
Stubbs adjusting to life as head coach
August 4, 2010
Lainey Chatagnier
August 2, 2010
Stubbs adjusting to life as head coach
August 4, 2010

Authentic flavors, environs a recipe for success


There are many ethnic restaurants in our area. I really enjoy these establishments’ different selections, so I do not get bored with dining out as can happen when eating at the same places with the same menus. I noticed a new Mexican restaurant – with locations in Thibodaux and Houma – called El Paso.

I visited the Thibodaux restaurant – an old bank that’s been transformed into a modern Mexican hacienda. If you didn’t know it had once been a financial institute, you’d barely recognize that fact.


Outside, the Spanish terra cotta roof distinguishes the building from its neighbors. Inside, there’s more of the authentic feel. The chairs appear to be hand-carved and relief-painted in the vibrant colors of Mexico. It’s a spacious restaurant inside with additional seating outside – complete with bar on the veranda.


Our waitress was prompt and courteous, although not very knowledgeable about the menu. But she did call upon another server who answered our questions enthusiastically. I thought our girl might just be new; however, she said she’d worked there since El Paso’s opening. … Well, maybe this food sells itself!

Our meal began with a few complementary items that seem to be standard fare at Mexican-themed restaurants. A genius idea, the free items relax guests and keep them busy while the server readies drinks and attends to her other tables and duties. Plus, I’m a sucker for free stuff!


El Paso’s crispy, warm tortilla chips are accompanied by a delicious black bean dip and a tomato salsa with a nice balance of spicy heat, cilantro and lime tartness.


We placed our order then enjoyed our chips and dips while absorbing El Paso’s fun atmosphere.

The food arrived promptly and we dug in. I chose the Fish Vera Cruz ($13.99), a piece of white, flaky fish first dusted in flour and cooked on a flat grill, sometimes called a griddle. When I think grill, I think smoke, but this is not the case with a flat grill.


The fish was nicely seasoned and the coating was broken and browned. And the accompanying Vera Cruz sauce was exquisite. It was a unique blend of banana peppers, tomatoes, green and black olives and onions all sautéed together with lime to achieve a wonderful briny tartness, which pairs well with the fish.

Steamed rice with a touch of mixed vegetables and margarine served as the meal’s starch. The salad was shredded lettuce, carrots, tomato and a tablespoon of guacamole. Additional sides included steamed vegetables and a slice of garlic Texas toast. Overall, it was a unique, tasty dish with real authenticity.

My guest selected “Combinationes El Paso,” a choice that offers guests plenty of variety and value.

One particular combo – “C” – included one chalupa, a cheese taco, beef taco and beef enchilada.

El Paso’s chalupa is basically a flat taco dressed with meat, refried beans, guacamole, cheese, lettuce and tomato all resting on a corn tortilla. The cheese taco was a combination of two cheeses heated until melted in a corn tortilla shell. And the enchilada is a flour tortilla filled with a savory meat concoction then folded and toped with a red chili-flavored enchilada sauce and melted cheese.

Another interesting El Paso menu item is the puff taco ($8.25). Its flour tortilla shell is deep-fried until it literally puffs out and becomes crisp. It is overstuffed with beef, lettuce and tomatoes and topped with chili con carne and cheese.

This is one large taco and quite satisfying.

If you’ve any appetite left, El Paso has a dessert cart loaded with confections to finish out the meal. The list includes flan (an egg custard), sopapillas (little fried yeast bread topped with honey), fried ice cream and tres leches – a cake covered with three types of milk after it’s baked.

Bottom line, if you’re looking for a festive atmosphere to take your family; try El Paso. It has a winning combination of friendly people, fast service and good food … a perfect recipe for success.

El Paso Mexican Grill 602 N. Canal Blvd., Thibodaux (985) 447-3833 1055 W. Tunnel Blvd., Houma (985) 262-0542 Restaurant Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.