local dining

Friday, October 6, 2000

El Centro Cafe offers perfect craving-buster

By Doug Williamson
Reporter-News Staff Writer

Think of the best cafe hamburger you’ve ever had.

Then think of the taste of good, homemade Mexican food.

With those thoughts in mind, you won’t be displeased when you go to El Centro Cafe. Located in the middle of One City Center on Pine Street, the eatery is as satisfying as any in town.

Patty Olvera runs the place. She and her husband, Jesse, also own the Hispanic Guide.

“I’ve been feeding the family all my life. Someone once asked me if I thought other people would eat it. I didn’t know, so I thought I’d see,” she said.

I’ll tell you that other people enjoy Patty’s cooking, and you won’t leave El Centro with an empty stomach.

I’m partial to the hamburger. It is just like I like it. The bun is toasted. The lettuce is crisp. The tomato is red and ripe. The onions are chopped. The pickle is cold. The mayonnaise is laid on thick. The meat is tasty, and the fries are just right.

Patty will sell several dozen burgers on a good day, but they aren’t the reason most people go to El Centro. They come here for Mexican food, especially the enchiladas.

The beef or cheese versions are top notch, but I must admit to craving the tostadas and tacos just as much. I don’t know what her secret ingredient in the meat is, but it’s the best in town.

The homemade hot sauce and chips are worth the trip in themselves.

The menu lists about half a dozen combinations of these Mexican treats at $4.59 each, along with a daily luncheon special of the more traditional variety — meat loaf, chicken fried steak and the like.

Patty will have some dessert available to quench that sweet tooth. The pies are good, and you should never pass up the peach cobbler.

For breakfast, I recommend any of the half dozen types of breakfast burritos at $1.25 each.

El Centro is a great place to eat breakfast or lunch, but finding it could be a little chore.

It is located in One City Center at North 2nd and Pine. That’s the office building that used to be One Petroleum Center and for us long-timers, it was Showcase Square shopping center.

Parking is great. You can park on Pine, Walnut, North 2nd or North 3rd. There are entrances on all sides of the square-block center. Go inside and just keep walking until you get to the center of the building. Actually, just follow your nose to the good smelling stuff.

Business Editor Doug Williamson may be reached at (915) 676-6707 or williamsond@abinews.com. Visit our Web site at www.reporternews.com