Amigo Mexican Restaurant smells warmly of cilantro and peppers. Its complimentary salsa is thick and spicy and the tortilla chips are fresh and crisp. During my last visit I could hear that satisfying "crunch" all throughout the bustling dining area. There were men in work boots, a table full of Spanish- speakers, an Indian couple and a grandmother and her grandchild sharing a chicken chimichanga and coloring together.
ChilaquilesWe all love Mexican food for the same reasons: It is fast, flavorful, filling and, more often than not, it involves creamy melted queso. That queso dip is so universal in its deliciousness, I bet it could bring together even the most different-minded folks. And when it comes to Mexican food in the Chattanooga area, we all have a special place in our hearts for Amigo Mexican Restaurant.
"We have a new lunch menu," Rey Garcia, owner of the Ringgold Road Amigo restaurant, told me. Amigo's new menu features all the traditional favorites like beef burritos, chile rellenos, chimichangas, chalupas and more. But it also offers a variety of more interesting dishes.
For example, there is chicken chilaquiles with egg, which is like a tortilla casserole with shredded chicken, sautéed tomatoes, bell peppers, avocado and white cheese. There is the lunch tapatia made with grilled chicken, a blend of sauteed veggies, soy sauce, white cheese and topped with mango pico de gallo. There is also a new create-your-own lunch option. This lets you choose any two of the following: burrito, enchilada, traditional pork tamale, tostada, chile relleno, or hard or soft tacos. All entrées are served with rice and beans.
"This is a new dish," Rey said, placing a piquant- quesadilla platter before me. It was made with chicken, chorizo, onions, melted cheeses and served with a side of shredded lettuce, sour cream and sweet mango pico.
Rey is a soft-spoken man. But once he gets you eating his food he becomes almost animated. "Go ahead and try it," he told me, grinning widely. It was a soupy yet crisp glorious mess of Mexican flavor. "It helps to believe in what you are writing, no?" Rey asked. I agree. I also believe in cleaning my plate, which was no problem that day.
Lunch is served every day until 3 p.m., but don't fret. Amigo's dinner menu also includes creative Mexican recipes, like the Guakimaki Burger, made with your choice of either an 8-ounce Angus cheeseburger or grilled chicken topped with Amigo's signature guacamole. There is also a variety of nacho dishes, including the Amigo grilled shrimp nachos comprised of beans, lettuce, avocado, sour cream, tomatoes and, of course, smothered with creamy melted queso.
Some tastes transcend all our differences. Perhaps we should discuss getting some of Amigo's famous queso sent to Capitol Hill ...
AMIGO MEXICAN RESTAURANT
LOCATIONS: 3805 Ringgold Road, 5874 Brainerd Road, 1906 Dayton Blvd., 5450 Hwy. 153 and 6701 Highway 58
PHONE: The Ringgold Road location at 624- 4345, Brainerd Road at 499-5435, Dayton Boulevard at 870-9928, Hwy. 153 at 875-8049 and Highway 58 at 710-8970
HOURS: Every day from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.