Catering to every taste

Abuelo's offers happy hour specials

Abuelo's brings coastal Mexican flair to special events in the Tennessee Valley through both on and off-site catering.

"We're upscale, casual coastal Mexican with great value," says general manager Ramesh Jolam. "It's not just your typical enchilada and taco place. We have a lot of unique, flamboyant cuisine with specialty items that are delicious. We also have a lot of flair compared to your normal Mexican restaurants."

In addition to traditional recipes such as enchiladas, tacos, tamales and burritos, Abuelo's catering menu features house specialties that can be ordered by the plate for small family-type gatherings as well as for larger formal events.

Popular choices include the Los Mejores de la Casa with wood-grilled bacon-wrapped tenderloin medallions and bacon-wrapped shrimp, stuffed with fresh jalapenos and blended cheeses. Also tasty for events is the Pasta la Paz with penne pasta tossed in a roasted tomato cream sauce with shrimp, chicken, scallops, chiles and vegetables.

Jolam reminds everyone that a party can be anything the host wants it to be. Whether for a New Year's celebration, wedding, birthday party or anniversary gathering, custom menu options are available. The restaurant's staff can prepare unique buffets with the host's favorite recipes, whether that is tacos and enchiladas or American appetizers, entrées and desserts.

"We cater and deliver and set up for any event or occasion," Jolam says. "They can have anything because we can make anything they want. Whatever your craving is, we can cater it."

Guests don't have to be celebrating a special event to enjoy Abuelo's specialty menu and meals. Jolam says there is a misconception that the restaurant is too expensive, but with lunches starting at $6.99, guests can enjoy their favorite recipes without hurting their holiday budget.

Lunch specials include the Durango burrito with spicy shredded beef rolled in a flour tortilla topped with chile con queso, as well as the Mojo de Ajo with angel hair pasta topped with the guest's choice of chicken, shrimp or a combination sautéed in a Mexican-style garlic sauce and tossed with steamed vegetables. House specialties also include the Enchiladas de Cozumel: three delicious crepes filled with fresh guacamole and covered in a rich white wine sauce with a medley of seasoned shrimp, scallops, mushrooms, fresh spinach and roasted peppers.

ABUELO'S MEXICAN FOOD EMBASSYLOCATION:2102 Hamilton Place Blvd.PHONE:855-7400.HOURS:Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Abuelo's features a full bar with wine, cocktails and beer, including margaritas such as the Marigold with premium Reposado tequila, sweetened lime juice and chile-mango purée. This February, Abuelo's will change its happy hour to include new high-end margaritas using premium tequilas as well as other new drinks and tapas-style recipes.

As Abuelo's welcomes guests into 2013 it is not losing its community focus, and continues to participate in community fundraisers to support local charities and schools.

"We've been here five years," Jolam says. "We've done a lot of community work and give back to the community as much as we can, especially working with schools. Life is precious and we have made it good, and we have to make sure our future - the people who will be our future - are taken care of."

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