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Tres Amigos has grown a
little from the concept that Ken Kock, Arkie Sawyer, and Lee Buslett
had more than 20 years ago. From its humble beginnings in the 26 Doors
Shopping Center on 38th St. to the five stores that now stretch across
the city, the concept has always been somewhat upscale Tex Mex. But
the little chain is still owner operated and very much a reflection
of what makes Austin interesting.
We're here today at the Westlake location on Capital
of Texas Highway. I have to admit, the food not withstanding, I love
to come out here in the evenings and watch though the window as the
racoons cavort about as they dine on the scraps of bread left out for
them each night.
And the stuff Tres Amigos serves us humans is pretty
darn good as well. On the appetizer side, I've always been very partial
to the Corn Taquitos. These are corn tortillas that are lightly fried,
much like flautas, and stuffed with spicy chicken. I love to dip mine
in some chile con queso as well. Another recommenadtion is the robust
Queso del Campo. This is their regular queso blended with spicy beef,
pico de gallo, and guacamole. Comparable to the Bob Armstrong chile
at Matt's but i like this one better. You might also want to try the
Veggie Quesadillas. Great flavor and a nice lightness to this appetizer.
The nachos are probably my least favorite thing on the menu. The cheese
tends to coagulate, not spread evenly, and then it gets pretty dicey
after that. But their tortilla soup is a blast. The large bowl at $4.25
is a meal in itself. The chicken broth imparts a nice flavor as well.
On the entree side, I love their enchiladas. You
can choose from one of seven sauces and I invariably get either the
Shrimp Enchiladas with the sour cream sauce or the Chicken Enchiladas
with their wonderful tomatillo sauce. The enchiladas are made of corn
tortillas which I find to be ethereal, and of course, you gotta add
onions. I also really enjoy the Pollo Poblano which is a grilled chicken
breast in a creamy poblano sauce. It's topped with a tomato. This dish
has got that somewhat smokey taste so characteristic of poblanos...
I just love it. They do a nice job with it here. Another favorite is
the Chicken Ranchero. This dish has a lovely texture because it begins
with a diced chicken breast sauteed in a mixture of onions, bell peppers
and house spices and is complemented by a stellar ranchero sauce. The
taste lingers long after the last bite.
And if you don't get it done on the first visit, come back and try the
Chimichanga. Now if you're doing Atkins, this may not be for you. But
I certainly enjoy it. A chimichana is like a lightly deep fried burrito.
Chicken, pico de gallo and cheese wrapped in a flour tortilla and covered
with chile con queso. Massive calories yet massively tasty. Go on, take
a chance, what are you waiting for?
Tres Amigos means three friends. And that's the predominant attitude
around here. The customers are treated like friends. Nice concept. Wonder
if it'll last?
01222004
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