Photograph by George Sakkestad
George Lopez, co-owner of Casa Valencia, says margaritas and chips are popular items from his menu.
By Suzanne Cristallo
"We want this to be a family place," says George Lopez of Casa Valencia, his new Mexican restaurant in Vasona Station shopping center in Los Gatos.
Lopez and his cousin, Everardo "Lola" Valencia, are co-owners of the eatery, which opened its doors Feb. 28, exactly one year to the day after its predecessor, Ernesto's, closed down.
Extensive renovations have transformed what was formerly a bar- oriented establishment into a place that caters to families. While the full-service bar is still available, parents may find the special menu provided for children to be an added dining pleasure. Extensive selections of Mexican combo dinners at less than half the adult price, along with hamburgers for more traditional palates, are offered for the small fry.
Lopez, 34, and Valencia, 40, came to the United States in the 1970s from the southwest state of Michoacan, which borders on the Pacific Ocean in Mexico. Valencia cooked at several San Jose restaurants for more than 10 years before plunging in 1986 into his own business with the purchase of the Mexico Lindo Restaurant, a four-star restaurant in San Jose.
In 1995, he opened another restaurant, the Chimichanga, in Morgan Hill, where he resides.
Lopez worked for General Electric as a system designer for 10 years after coming to the United States. Later he joined his cousin Valencia at his San Jose restaurant, serving as a manager for six years. The association, which Lopez was hesitant to continue "because we were cousins," proved to be a compatible one. The result is the partnership in Casa Valencia, which Lopez will run in the tradition of his cousin's previous successes.
The restaurant specializes in southern Mexican fare like chile relleno--anaheim chiles with cheese in an egg batter--and chile verde, a pork dish. While most entrees run about $7.25, they're currently being offered at $5.25 as an introductory special.
Casa Valencia Restaurant, 14101 Winchester Ave., Los Gatos. Open daily for lunch and dinner, 10 a.m.- 10 p.m. 871-0565.
This article appeared in the Saratoga News, March 12, 1997.
©1997 Metro Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.