"Dave O'Mara and Rob Francis, the co-owners of Aqui Cal-Mex, have a way of making the employees feel good about working here, and I think it shows in our service to our customers," Hendricks says.

O'Mara has a significant amount of experience in the food industry. He currently owns six local Togo's franchises.

"It would be a tossup as to whether it's our food or our service that keeps the restaurant so busy," Hendricks says.

Though the restaurant's culinary influences range from the cuisine of California, the American Southwest, Mexico and Asia, the food is called "Cal-Mex."

The Asian influence is most apparent in the ahi tuna wasabi spring roll. Grilled tuna is wrapped in a thin spinach tortilla and topped with a hot wasabi (similar to horseradish) sauce.

"I think our house specialty would have to be the red potato enchilada. The customers really like the roasted potatoes and the melted jack and cheddar cheese," Hendricks says.

Although Hendricks hasn't yet become a chef, he still stays pretty busy in the kitchen when time allows.

Since the restaurant's opening in 1994, many Willow Glen residents have become regulars at Aqui Cal-Mex.

"There are so many things on the menu," Hendricks says. "Rob Francis, who writes up the menu, always has great specials for people to try."

One of the specials that has became a regular on the menu is the Thai chicken burrito.

Some of the other 'hot' menu items are the salmon burrito, also known as the "knife and fork" burrito because of the size, and the chicken tamale with Thai peanut sauce.

"We make everything here at the restaurant. It's all fresh, never frozen," says Hendricks, who enjoys dressing up the plates a bit before serving them to the customers.

"One thing that we've become known for are our portions. Not many people can finish a full meal in one sitting. There are a lot of take-out boxes going home with people," Hendricks says.

Speaking of take-out, Aqui offers their full menu to go.

"A lot of people call in their orders, but even more come in and have one of our great margaritas while they wait for their order," Hendricks says.

With a Southwestern decor and the delicious smells coming from the kitchen, the wait could be a pleasant experience.

Aqui Cal-Mex, located at 1145 Lincoln Ave., is open Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m.­9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.­9:30 p.m. No reservations are accepted. For more information, call 408.995.0381.