Plates displaying Taquitos Mexicanos, beans a la charra, chips and salsa are pictured at Blanquita’s Mexican Restaurant #2. (Staff photos by Heather C. Cox and Michael Rodriguez)
By HEATHER C. COX
Staff Writer
reporter@sbnewspaper.com
For authentic Mexican food, as good if not better than your grandmother used to prepare, you should do yourself a favor and check out Blanquita’s.
“We wanted to open your eyes with bright colors,” said Martin Morin, General Manager of Blanquita’s Mexican Restaurant #2 in San Benito. With deeply orange walls and vibrantly festive décor – including interesting patterns and shapes as well as shades of yellows, greens and pinks – upon first sight it becomes evident that this goal was certainly accomplished.
The restaurant is absolutely charming. Bright colors and open dining area evoke an inviting and welcoming feeling. As a patron takes a seat at a table covered in a colorful tablecloth, he or she can expect to be greeted with one (or both) of two types of salsa to accompany a complimentary basket of decadent tortilla chips. The red salsa is milder in flavor, while the green sauce is slightly more… potent. Morin laughed, saying, “This one is definitely hot.” He noted, as this reviewer was blending the two salsas harmoniously together, that there is something perfect about the marriage of both blends.
Either salsa is sure to compliment a variety of menu options. The restaurant is known for its Taquitos Mexicanos, caldos, milanesa and chile relleno, and according to popular demand, two of its specialty plates include the Tex Mex plate and the Tejano plate.
“We have huge, 12-inch flour tortillas,” said Morin, who held his hands out to show just how big a Blanquita’s tortilla really is. He added that they proudly make their corn and flour tortillas from scratch.
The beans a la charra are also made fresh at Blanquita’s, and a steaming hot bowl is provided as a free appetizer while one waits for their order.
To put it simply, the Taquitos Mexicanos, considered a famous plate at Blanquita’s – which has been in existence for over 14 years at its Harlingen store #1, and has nearly six years of great customer service under its belt in San Benito – are exquisite. Talk about mouth-watering. This plate includes six little home-made corn tortillas with meat (fajita, bistek, chicken), cilantro, white cheese, slices of gorgeous avocado and slightly grilled onions.
Just spread a little bit of red and green salsa across the tops of the taco, close it tightly together, take a big bite full of deliciousness and (at least according to this reviewer) you’ll be happy to the last bite.
With so many great options to try, including stuff for the kiddos, Blanquita’s is where it’s at for authentic Mexican food for the whole family. There is something for everyone. This past year, “We even lowered prices. We went down in price a lot. The quality of food mixed with the quantity simply can’t be beat,” said Morin with an affirmative tone. “There might be places lower in cost,” Morin added, but the quality is superb. Blanquita’s offers a private banquet room which seats up to 50. They say it’s great for baby showers, bridal showers, family reunions or any special occasion. The San Benito Rotary Club also meets at Blanquita’s. From the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders to the likes of former Houston mayor and candidate for Texas governor, Bill White, who visited Blanquita’s when he was campaigning back in 2010, you never know who you might rub elbows with when dining here.
Blanquita’s Mexican Restaurant is proud to serve delicious Mexican food daily, for breakfast and lunch. Blanquita’s Mexican Restaurant #2 is located on 190 N Williams Rd. in San Benito. Their hours of operation are Monday – Sunday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday – Sunday from 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The business phone number is (956) 399-8880.
Until we meet again, let’s keep it in good taste.
Editor’s Note: Email restaurant suggestions to editor@sbnewspaper.com or reporter@sbnewspaper.com.
Read this story in the Oct. 3 edition of the San Benito News, or subscribe to our E-Edition by clicking here.
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Jose, it was very difficult watching Heather eat this delicious meal. But I survived.
In return for this free great PR (public relations), Blanquita’s Restaurant should provide free meals to the reporter, Ms. Heather Cox, for the rest of the year.
Not Michael, he is on a diet and healthy trek or journey!
I agree “The food is very good but not as good as Mom’s!
Do they have a home delivery service?
Not only is the food good but the owner manager has the best customer service I have ever seen in any business. You want to go there just for the service.