Lisa's Mexican Restaurant in San Antonio Dishes Delish Mexi-Tex
I recently came back from San Antonio, where I lived for seven years. I was there for 10 days, and ate for the first time at Lisa's Mexican Restaurant on a Tuesday.
I could not believe I had never been. So I made up for my sin and went back six times. I wanted to. I had to. I did. I loved it.
Lisa's used to be Henry's Puffy Tacos. Well, not anymore. What a gorgeous, fresh surprise.
The space is soothing, chic, modern-done in jewel tones. A total departure from Henry's. The walls feature bold original artwork by Brother Cletus.
Now, the food...
Lisa's pays homage to Mex and Tex with beautifully executed Mexican and Tex-Mex recipes.
I was born and raised in Mexico, and hold both Tex-Mex and interior Mexican food close to my heart.
Lisa's does both fabulously.
The sopes are the best I've had in Texas- fresh masa patties with a discreet slather of bacony refrieds. One was topped with earthy, piquant cubes of lean puerco en salsa roja, the other crowned with richly spiced papas with fresh chorizo. Both were garnished with lettuce, finished with queso fresco and drizzled with Mexican crema. I felt "en casa".
I also fell in love with Lisa's two excellent salsas- a vibrant, playful tomato-serrano, or an sexy, rich, roasted jalapeño, onion and tomato number with a slow, lingering burn.
The rajas con crema are also exemplary. Roasted, intensely flavored poblano strips and caramelized, sliced onions swim in a rich blend of cream and asadero cheese.
The spinach enchiladas are benchmark- clean, vibrant spinach flavor enriched with cream.
Classic Tex-Mex enchiladas sing.
The Pescado a la Veracruzana is lovely- the sauce, a well-balanced, complimentary blend of tomatoes, olives, peppers, olive oil and spices doesn't overwhelm the mild fish fillets.
Tacos al pastor get an achiote marinade for a "toque yucateco," rich, flavorful and alive with fresh cilantro, cebolla and pineapple. I was almost at the corner taquería in the DF, standing at an angle and biting my way to taco callejero heaven.
Oh, and the corn tortillas. The flour are righteous, but the corn...oh my Aztec gods.
Hand made, light, tender- hechas a mano. Great corn tortillas are hard to find in San Antonio, flour tortilla kingdom. This kind of attention to craft and authenticity are rare.
Go to Lisa's. Eat your way thru the menu. Enjoy the attentive, warm service. Be a discerning Mex-Tex lover. You will love Lisa's. And she'll love you back.
The server told me many of the regulars are fixtures- they go five and six times a week.
I nodded and smiled, not one bit surprised. I understood. I'm one of them now.
Check out their website.
By ArletteTorresWong
on Jul 27, 2009 07:14 PM
View »
Video
Although it will be a while before I make it down to San Antonio I will say that on the scrolling pictures the girl sitting at the bar with a drink in her hand is quite attractive! I would definitely go if there is eye candy like that!
I can't say that the menu looks anything special from the first glance but if they are making fresh corn tortillas I will put it on the list.
Permalink | Reply
LH,
I think a visit is in order:) You never know. The food is truly terrific. Plus, after a few margaritas everyone looks great, no?:) When you go try the sopes. The corn tortillas are wonderful. You seem to know how hard it is to get them in San Anton, where most people prefer flour. But a perfect corn tortilla is a fragrant thing of earthy beauty. The menu doesn't do justice to the prep. They are devoted. Take care and eat well!
Permalink | Reply
Arlette: Hope to G-d you are a food writer. Many could learn from you. Your words evoke
a glorious picture of Lisa's and made me want to hop in my car and drive there....'tho it would take ma 1 1/2 hours!! I'll be making a plan to go there on my next trip to SA, probably withing the next 10 days. Thanks for a delightful review.
Permalink | Reply
A, you are so kind. Thank you for your words. I love to write, but more so I love to eat!
When you to Lisa's don't miss the sopes, the corn tortillas and the enchiladas in cilantro-poblano cream sauce. I know you will love them. The drive? So worth it! I once drove 8 hours for kolaches. I also plan every vacation around...restaurants! All else can come and go, I just care about the food! I also collect chef-signed menus. They line my kitchen walls. Remind me of great meals and good times. Let me know how you like it. Talk soon!
Permalink | Reply