I've always enjoyed Dona Emilia's, the South American emporium on Cesar Chavez. But times and conditions change. And Dona Emilia's is seguing into the Latin Café Austin. What does that mean? Well, a somewhat broader menu embracing a more Latin American type of cuisine. Lower price points (nothing wrong with that) and the same passion for the art of cooking that has characterized this place since it opened.

Howard Kells

What I really get a kick out of is the Latin Breakfast. Try a moist omelet with sausage, spinach, pico de gallo and goat cheese. And the yuca hash browns along with chorizo finish this treat: all for just $7. Or try the gourmet breakfast tacos like the Chorizo con Huevo or the Pico Rico which features mozzarella cheese, pico de gallo, and those crisp and delicious yuca hash browns.

Muy bien!

And there's are some new dishes among the old favorites, I love the Eva Longoria's Pasta. Apparently this is one of Eva's favorite family dishes. You combine seasoned shredded beef with a criollo sauce, caramelized onions and bowtie pasta. My family certainly likes this comforting yet subtly spicy meal.

May I also introduce you to the Guajillo Corn Enchiladas with cheese and a green tomatillo sauce. This dish resonates with immediate burts of flavor and then more subtle mid-palate sensations. It's a huge plate for only $10.

And also new is the Brazilian Pichana, the favorite of Brazilian stekhouses like Fogo de Chao. This is an impressive and wonderfully tasty top sirloin that is also beautifully tender. Sauces are available but in truth they are not needed. The meat, roasted in sea salt speaks volumes on its own.

Old favorites abound as well and they're still very good: like the arepas con queso, the traditional South American empanadas and the exquisite arroz con pollo (chicken with rice).

And let's not forget the drinks at the Latin Café. How can one go wrong with a pitcher of the the classic Mojitos for $20? Or the Caipirinha, the national drink of Brazil? The Frozen Margarita lives up to advance billing and is a steal at $5.

You know on second thought, I like the new Latin Café perhaps even a little better than its predecessor. This is change we can use! Wait a second, does that ring a bell?

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