Sunday, Jul. 05, 2009

La Herradura: Brothers bring authentic Mexican food to Collinsville

Two Mexican restaurants have come and gone in Collinsville's old Pizza Hut building, but three young brothers are hoping to reverse that trend with La Herradura.

The name is Spanish for "The Horseshoe."

"We lived in a small town (in Mexico), and there are a lot of horses," said Eriberto "Eric" Guzman, 27, of Glen Carbon, who speaks with a strong Mexican accent. "And a lot of people say when you find a horseshoe, it's good luck."

The restaurant, which opened in March, has impressed the Kitchell and Holtzscher families, who travel all over the St. Louis region for Mexican food.

Last week, Bob Kitchell, 53, of Collinsville, ordered a fajita with chicken, steak and shrimp at La Herradura.

"I consider their fajitas better than any I've tasted anywhere else -- ever -- and I've been to a lot of places," he said.

Joe Holtzscher, 53, of Glen Carbon, had molcajete, which combines steak and shrimp with tomatoes, bell peppers and onions, topped with cheese sauce.

The dish is named for its three-legged serving bowl, or mortar, made of black, volcanic rock.

The Kitchells and Holtzschers also like the restaurant's casual, lively atmosphere. Diners sit at booths or tables, surrounded by Mexican decorations on bright green, orange and blue walls. Mariachi, norteno and cumbia music plays through speakers.

"You walk in here and it's bright and cheery," Bob said.

Eric manages and waits tables at La Herradura. His brothers, Jesus, 22, and Miguel,19, both of Glen Carbon, help out whenever they're not working at La Fonda Mexican Restaurant in Edwardsville.

La Herradura's extensive menu includes nachos and other appetizers, chimichangas, quesadillas, tacos, burritos, enchiladas, tortas and vegetarian, egg and combination plates.

"It's Mexican food, but we try to make it so it's good for Americans," Eric said. "(Strictly authentic dishes) would be too spicy and greasy."

People who want meals cooked with hot peppers can special-order them.

The restaurant serves beer, wine and a few cocktails. Margaritas come in 12-, 16- or monster 45-ounce glasses and pitchers. Fruit flavors include strawberry, banana, mango, raspberry or peach.

Meals can be followed by desserts such as fried ice cream and cheesecake, sopapilla and chimi bananas wrapped in flour tortillas, deep fried, rolled in cinnamon and sugar and topped with ice cream. Mexican-style creme caramel, known as flan, is baked daily.

The Guzman brothers were born in California to Mexican parents, who moved the family back to their home country in 1991. Dual citizenship has allowed the brothers and other siblings to divide their time between Mexico and the United States.

"Here (in America), it's easier to make money and take care of yourself," Eric said. "In Mexico, it's kind of hard to make a living. You can't just go out and work. You have to get someone's help."

La Herradura is at 122 N. Bluff Road in Collinsville. The brothers have painted the old Pizza Hut building bright orange with yellow trim. For more information, call 344-0490.

At a glanceWhat: La Herradura Mexican restaurant.

Where: 122 N. Bluff Road in Collinsville.

Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Information: Call 344-0490.

On the menuQueso fundido -- Appetizer with grilled chorizo sausage covered with cheese dip ($4.50).

Burrito fajita -- Grilled chicken or beef with bell peppers, tomatoes and onions, covered with red and cheese sauce and served with rice and beans ($7.50).

Pollo Herradura -- Chicken breast covered with cheese sauce and served with rice, beans and flour or corn tortillas ($8.99).

Enchiladas Mexicanas -- Three chicken enchiladas topped with red sauce, lettuce, tomato, sour cream and guacamole, served with rice and beans ($8.99).

Chimi banana -- Banana wrapped in a flour tortilla, deep fried, rolled in cinnamon and sugar and topped with ice cream ($3.50).