It all started one night at the dinner table where Alejandro Borquez told his young beautiful bride Rosa – “You are such a good cook. We should open a restaurant’. The next year, 1923, the first of its many restaurants opened its door. For the past 90 years, the Salisbury family has been making culinary history with traditional Mexican fare.
The location in Anaheim Hills is the 6th El Cholo among the empire of restaurants under The Restaurant Business Inc. which also operates The Cannery in Newport Beach, and The Cat & The Custard in La Habra. In line with its predecessors, the menu will feature distinctive El Cholo dishes including the renowned Aged Cheddar Nachos, Green Corn Tamales and Mexican classics such as Sonora Style Enchiladas, Chile Relleno and Sizzling Fajitas.
(Photos by Allen Taylor Photography)
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Although the layout of the restaurant didn’t change much from the other restaurant that used to occupy the space, the furnishings were replaced with much richer dark wood and plush leather booths and tables. What really caught my eyes were the black and white historical family photographs hang along the walls. With pops of red throughout, the new dining hall is warm and cozy.
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We started the event with El Cholo Margarita and LA Lemonade with Nachos and Chips and Salsa.
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Chicken Chimichangas (Chunks of Flavorful Chicken in a Crisp Flour Tortilla, Guacamole, Rice and Beans). These reminded me of Flautas.
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A Taste Of History (Black Creek Cheddar Cheese Enchilada, Rolled Beef Taco, Chile Relleno & Roasted Pork Tamale) had some of diners’ favorites. I normally don’t care for tamale but I enjoyed it.
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You can also choose many different dinner Combos such as No. 1 – (All-time best seller) Cheese Enchilada and Beef Taco.
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The Blue Corn Enchiladas (Marinated Breast of Chicken Enchiladas wrapped with Blue Corn Tortillas, Tomatillo Sauce, Sour Cream, and Avocado Garnish. Served with Black Beans and Rice) was a big hit.
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The Burrito Dorado (Chili Con Carne, Beans, Rice, Aged Cheddar Cheese, Simmered Tomato Sauce, Sour Cream and Guacamole) was huge! Come hungry if you’re going to order this.
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But the Filet Mignon Taco took home the crown! The beef was perfectly cooked and tender in every bite. The Salsa had a very nice kick.
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Southwest Chicken Salad with Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette is not currently on menu but you can request it.
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The amazing team led by Executive Chef Salcedo (second right) who continues to introduce a variety of new and more contemporary Mexican dishes such as a Southwest Salad, Enchiladas Mariscos and Grilled Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos. I also had the pleasure of meeting CEO, Brendon (lower middle) is 4th generation Salisbury and was in great company of Minerva Thai of Much Ado About Fooding and Sukhraj Beasla of Eat Suki Eat (not pictured).
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Special thanks to J Public Relations for the invite and The Restaurant Business, Inc for being such gracious host! I look forward to the grand opening on March 18, 2013.
El Cholo Anaheim Hills
8200 East Santa Ana Canyon Road
Anaheim Hills, CA 92808
(714) 762-6962
OMG El Cholo looks amazing! I love your food photography mmmmmmm!
Nice post Wendy! I love the pictures & I had no idea that the family had been in the restaurant industry for 90 years!