The Castillo family has an idea that might be just enough of a twist to work
At 5 this evening, the restaurant formerly known as La Fiesta in Hewitt will officially become Cantina Texas — a sort of fusion restaurant that marries Tex-Mex staples with foodie culture. They're calling it "new Texas comfort food" and it includes things like chicken and dumplings, street tacos and a Lone Star Philly Cheesesteak.
In theory, Cantina Texas will continue to attract La Fiesta's loyal customers, while capturing a new audience that has been seeking its straight Mexican food and Tex-Mex elsewhere.
Patrons will still be able to order enchiladas and fajitas, but they'll be a little different, more refined perhaps.
"We'll have enchiladas, but I'm using goat cheese from Texas farms," Cantina Texas manager Brian Keeth said. "We'll still have fajitas but, again, with our own new twist."
Fans of La Fiesta should note that the Franklin Ave. and N. 19th Street locations will continue to be La Fiestas.
Keeth credited La Fiesta for bringing Tex-Mex to Waco 50 years ago, then pointed to this new venture as owner Sam Castillo's commitment to continued innovation.
As the Cantina Texas crew put the final touches of the restaurant's new appearance in place Wednesday afternoon, Keeth showed off the massive chalk-board menu in the main dining room.
Items that jump off the board include chunky queso, which contains bits of smashed avocado and green chili pork, Texas Meatloaf and an Elgin sausage entree served with potato salad and cole slaw.
One more bite (Chad's take): In an article published in Wednesday's Waco Tribune-Herald, Castillo said he felt the area was primed for a chef-driven restaurant with fresh ingredients. Yes. I'd say that's completely accurate. If Cantina Texas pulls that off, it will make West Rock Center a monster of the Waco dining scene. I don't think Cantina Texas will siphon off business from the George's next door, rather it will kind of make this strip mall the place to be, especially for residents of that side of town. One thing, though, good luck finding a parking space.
