Just got back from Sunday brunch at El Torito on PCH Highway, on Long Beach. El Torito is nestled among a bunch of chain restaurants, and we have never found a reason to go there until today, when our good local friends were having a going-away party as they are moving out of state. Their friends organized the brunch there, so all we had to do was show up.
It was really nice. "Champagne," which is really a typical brunch sparkling wine of some sort, was poured immediately upon seating, and continuously poured. Buffet style, the brunch offered an array of Mexican goodies, such as enchiladas, beans, Spanish rice, custom-made tacos, and Menudo. We noticed many people enjoying the Menudo, so Johan and I, being lovers of tripe and other interesting meats, went for a couple of big bowls ourselves.
It was great! Seasoned just right, the broth was flavorful with hints of chili, herbs, tomato, and rich meat. The tripe was tender, flavorful, and just a bit chewy, which any tripe lover would want. It was the best dish in the brunch. I'm not sure I could have had a more authentic Menudo elsewhere. We enjoyed it so much even though we weren't hung over!
It was really nice. "Champagne," which is really a typical brunch sparkling wine of some sort, was poured immediately upon seating, and continuously poured. Buffet style, the brunch offered an array of Mexican goodies, such as enchiladas, beans, Spanish rice, custom-made tacos, and Menudo. We noticed many people enjoying the Menudo, so Johan and I, being lovers of tripe and other interesting meats, went for a couple of big bowls ourselves.
It was great! Seasoned just right, the broth was flavorful with hints of chili, herbs, tomato, and rich meat. The tripe was tender, flavorful, and just a bit chewy, which any tripe lover would want. It was the best dish in the brunch. I'm not sure I could have had a more authentic Menudo elsewhere. We enjoyed it so much even though we weren't hung over!
We spoke to a fellow diner and asked her how Menudo is made, since we don't know, ie. we wondered if some stock is made to flavor the soup beyond just tripe. She coyly asked, "Are you sure you want to know?" When we assured her that we like tripe and know that it is intestine, she answered that it is made by boiling guts for 14 hours, along with some finely chopped special type of chili, plus oregano, tomato paste and some other herbs and spices. I asked if there was another meat or bones used to make the stock, and she said, you don't have to, but you can add bones or meat, but they have to be from the feet (pig's feet). I nodded approvingly, "Ah, yes, so you can get the gelatinous thickness to the broth." Ah, yes. Now you're talking.
I also enjoyed a chicken taco and some rice and beans, which were all seasoned well and good, though of course there are more authentic versions elsewhere. There was also an omlet bar for those who wished to have this brunch standard. There was also many desserts available, including chocolate cake, churros, and jello.
On the whole, I would not hesitate to take a family from out of town to the El Torito Sunday brunch. It has a festive, fun atmosphere, great service, a lot of choices, and really decent food for a chain operation. Plus, I think the food type is more suitable for a weekend brunch than a dinner, but that could just be me. So next time you have family from out of town, think El Torito! (Did that sound too much like a commercial?)
I also enjoyed a chicken taco and some rice and beans, which were all seasoned well and good, though of course there are more authentic versions elsewhere. There was also an omlet bar for those who wished to have this brunch standard. There was also many desserts available, including chocolate cake, churros, and jello.
On the whole, I would not hesitate to take a family from out of town to the El Torito Sunday brunch. It has a festive, fun atmosphere, great service, a lot of choices, and really decent food for a chain operation. Plus, I think the food type is more suitable for a weekend brunch than a dinner, but that could just be me. So next time you have family from out of town, think El Torito! (Did that sound too much like a commercial?)
1 comment:
Interesting. I must confess I wouldn't even think of El Torito for anything - especially not Sunday brunch. but why not? I'll give it a shot. Interesting about the Menudo. I probably will not try it at home!
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