Going Behind the Food
The story behind the plates of food we order at our favorite restaurants often has an equal or greater quality and value than the food itself. That is exactly what happened to my wife and I this past Thursday night while making our debut visit to San Angelo’s La Historia Mexican-American Restaurant located on North Chadbourne Street.
Open for two years this July, the restaurant has made itself known as a solid option for genuine Mexican fare in generous portions at affordable prices. Two fellow foodie locals highly suggested I go and try them out and so at long last, I finally did. Here is the inside scoop on this local mom and pop shop.
Owned and operated by husband-wife couple Imelda and Juan, they certainly seem to have things on a solid path to success. Juan being the head chef with 40+ years of experience in the kitchen since he came to Texas from Mexico as a teen with his brother. A truly self-made man, starting as a busser, learning from others along the way to advance and progress his own culinary talents of traditional Mexican recipes and dishes. Juan had spent time working at other local mainstays in San Angelo as well, helping to build and establish the menus of the former Riccardos, the present-day Francos Cafe and Jalapenos Locos. Anyone who has dined at those locations knows they are also top options for Mexican American fare.
Imelda, who is also a pre-K bilingual teacher, leads the operations side of running the restaurant. I can clearly see how her knack from being a teacher to young children shines through here as well. She is kindest and sweetest person you could ever meet. Her only goal was to please up and make us happy with the food we were about to receive. Her passion for her business and the story behind it was also evident. The shirt she wore was designed by her to carefully showcase and symbolize both her husband's origins from Mexico and her desire to retain the legacy of the key family members and friends who helped build the story of La Historia along the way. The menu also pays homage to these key figures such as the Chespiro’s Special, Gerardos Special, Jaime’s Special, the Roberto Faz Special, and the Ricardo Fuentes Plate. Each dish having a unique tie to that person's favorite foods.
A unique fact I learned about Imelda is that when she graduated high school in 1995, she had her graduation party at the very location La Historia is located in today. At the time it was Casablanca, also a Mexican Restaurant that closed in the late 90s. She had no idea that almost 30 years later, she would own that building and running a restaurant with her husband. One more noteworthy fact we learned about was the famed singer, Selena, began her early public performances in that very building when it was still run under the Casablanca name.
As for the food itself, I am convinced that anyone who dines here will see clearly that it easily sells itself. Its presented very well and goes down with nothing but pleasure from the first to the last bite. I ordered the Imelda’s Special, created by Imelda herself to showcase her love for spice, steak and shrimp. A dish of tender ribeye cooked to your liking, served with sauteed tomatoes, onions, and jalapenos, plus sides of Mexican rice and refried beans. I opted to add four grilled shrimp at Imelda’s suggestion. I am so glad I took her up on that! The steak was a perfect medium, not fatty or grizzled either. The shrimp had a wonderful spice seasoning to them. The rice was not overly salty, and the beans had a wonderful creaminess to them. My wife ordered the Combo Dinner: two beef enchiladas and two beef tacos plus the same kind of rice and beans my dish came with. Although I did not try any of her dish, I have every reason to believe she enjoyed it based on her positive comments and the empty plate before her. My plate looked no different. Smiles on our faces, fully stomachs, minor wallet damage. That is a win in my book.
Perhaps as much or more than the food experience, the welcoming feel, the kindness, the warmth, the care we both felt while dining in here is what really made this a special visit. I got the feeling that pleasing us was their top priority. The food they serve and the experience we had is how they do that. As long as Juan keeps authentic dishes like these coming out, Imelda keeps her pleasant charm and sweet smile, I can't see anything but pleased customers walking in and out of the doors of La Historia. Our server Nellie was a true rockstar. Kind, cordial, and social. She gave us the VIP treatment so look for her when you come in to visit. All of the server staff here are amazing people, look for Amy and Kelly as well when you dine here. Your in good hands with any of them.
Special mention to be aware of, every weekday from 11–2pm, they have two lunch specials offered for just $9.50 plus a tea. Lunch is their busiest time of day every day says Imelda. “It’s when locals who work around the area stop in to grab a bite and get back out.” They also offer breakfast every day, all day. They are open from 930AM to 3pm Sundays, and 1030AM-830PM the rest of the week. The venue also offers a large private back room set for large groups as well. It is well decorated and painted with wall murals completed by local artists. La Historia also offers a full list of drinks to include beer, wine, and cocktails.
