Super Mercado Monterrey

Super Mercado Monterrey



Super Mercado Monterrey, which is basically a Hispanic super market just off the loop and Highway 31 on the west side of town.  If you are looking for any ingredient for authentic Mexican and/or other hispanic type cooking, this is the place to go.  The vegetables are fresh and cheap.  They have a real butcher shop.  You may have to be able to speak a little Spanish to get through a shopping trip.  They also have a little restaurant in one corner of the store that puts out some good food.

The spread:  They offer tacos, tortas and burritos with different kinds of meats.  They also offer rice and beans, combo plates, enchiladas, tamales, and different kinds of soups.  They have multiple large containers of aguas frescas - which are Mexican style fruit drinks of different kinds: pineapple, mango, etc.

The verdict:  This is another one of my favorite holes in the wall.  The prices are cheap, the food is good and the service is friendly.  You know it is good food when you are the only non-Hispanic in the place.  Avoid the tamales, as they are set out early and tend to be dry.  I will occasionally make huge batches of salsa and can them and I love to come to Super Mercado Monterrey to get the ingredients as they are always fresh and cheap.  Give the restaurant a try if you are in the store.

Edible Tyler Roses:  4 out of 5.  Worth the hassle of having to speak a little Spanish.

Villa Montez

Villa Montez
3324 Spur 124
Tyler, TX
(903) 592-9696
www.villamontez.com



 
Once again went out for the monthly business dinner/meeting. I have driven past this place and thought it looked great from the outside. It is just outside of Tyler and is in a previous mansion perched on top of a hill. On closer inspection, it was simply stunning. There is a lot of outdoor space as well. On the inside the decor is just as impressive with a small, but nice bar. Inside the space is used well, I very much enjoyed the ambience. There are a few tables in each room, making the setting intimate.

The spread: The menu is a mix of some Tex-mex and mexican favorites with a definite South American influence. There are some unique appetizers including the queso fondido, chino latino rolls, barbacoa sopes, and tableside made guacamole. The salads and soups also offer some original fare including brazilian coconut soup, dulce de dijon salad and Yucatan sweet pork salad. The entrees don't disappoint with selections ranging from burritos, chimichangas, enchiladas, combination dinners, arroz con pollo, and many other fish, beef, chicken dishes. They also have a nice selection of south american beers and probably wines (but I didn't ask about their wine list).

The verdict: First off, the chips and salsa were very good. The salsa is the best I have had in Tyler with a nice kick and a great fresh taste. I sampled one of their South American beers and it went perfectly with the spicy food. I started with some queso and it had a great cheese and pepper (jalepeno or serrano?) flavor with a nice heat level. The ceviche was outstanding, again using great fresh ingredients (and ceviche is not one of my favorites). We also had the guacamole which was simply done with perfectly ripe avocados and well seasoned. I had the Tenderloin Durango style with a side of shrimp for my entree. The steak arrived perfectly medium rare, as ordered and was topped with a wonderful roasted poblano and guajillo sauce. The shrimp were also cooked perfectly and seasoned with peppers and onions. The steak arrived on rice and beans which is the only part of the meal that was mediocre to me. Overall, one of the best culinary experiences I have had in Tyler. There is definitely a chef who cares overseeing the kitchen. The service was very good at the table, although it took them a while to seat our party (20 minutes), even though we had reservations.

Edible Tyler Roses: 4.5/5, almost perfect, GREAT value for the excellent food.