If
you’re heading South on Highway 101 through Fourth
Street in Eureka, prepare to pull your taste buds over
for a thorough break from the fast food and formula
restaurants that smatter the downtown area. As you approach
the bend that turns fourth into Broadway, look to your
left directly across from The Eureka Reporter’s
new building and you will see a Video rental with a
neon glowing trestle in the front directly on Fourth
Street. A humble sandwich board reading La Chaparrita
sits at the glass entrance which frames a picturesque
and lovely and festive dining area.
To say this is a hidden treasure would not be totally inaccurate.
They aren’t hidden, although you may want to park either
in the lot connected to the Video shop or directly on the
street as the back parking is a little tricky, but the entrance
is plain to see. Unlike the North bound end of 101 through
Eureka on Fifth which has very too many Mexican restaurants
and junk food vendors, La Chaparrita is an oasis on Fourth
as you leave the more picturesque and Victorian section of
downtown Eureka. The cleanliness of the place sparkles as
you walk into the spacious dining room potted plants and a
glass case along the far wall with knick-knacks proudly on
display.
Co-owner
and Hostess Chendra is smiling behind the counter while husband
and Co-owner David works laboriously in the back inside the
kitchen. Their young son DJ plays off to the side, then snaps
to attention with menus in hand and a maturity beyond his
years. A warning fellas, he will charm the eyelids off of
your date, so watch out. The diversity of cultures just within
the small circle of friends I have is incredible and a blessing.
These folks are no exception! David is a Mexican American
who met Chendra, a Philippino American in Eureka. Their friend
and employee, T, is a young Cambodian American. They have
such happy faces, you can tell that they do this because they
love it and each other even more. The love flows out of the
kitchen and is reflected in the divine food which graces the
tables.
The
portions are generous and the prices modest. There is no item
more than twelve dollars, which is the Fajitas de Cameron,
a feast of prawns delightfully sautéed with caramelized
onions and colorful peppers. I had an order to see how big
it was and I couldn’t finish my plate,…but still
I craved more. Their burritos are bigger than the “salsa
famous chain restaurants” that are spattered amongst
Humboldt County and a lot tastier by my standards. There are
many who prefer the over commercialized clone cuisines to
whom I say, “Get thee a T.V. Dinner”. But, if
you want the real thing with excellent salsas both Red and
Verde, beans that are spiced just right, and a Spanish rice
that leaves you wanting an a la carte order, come to La Chaparrita
at 210 Fourth Street, Eureka.
The Guacamole is tasty as the Chicken Mole, and, yes, you
can get Coca Cola from Mexico (Sweeter than American) and
a fantastic imported Mexican beers. I prefer a Horchata, a
rice milk drink that sweetens up any disposition. The Pozole
soup will cure any cold bug that flies up your snout, and
the Carne Asada is something to write home about. If you like
a light combination that will never leave you sorry , then
might I suggest Chile Relleno and a Tamale? The chicken dishes
are sumptuously grilled and salads give more than your fill.
The desserts are something from Heaven, like Deep Fried Ice
Cream or Flan Napilitano.
Be sure to tip these folks well as they still seem to be
a secret to any sane individual, so pencil this into your
already busy schedule. They’re at 201 4th Street and
can be reached at 445-3818. I suggest you pick up a menu on
your way by and come in before 9:00 p.m. any time of the week.
Wake up John C. Public! This place rocks!
Grade: A+
Vol.
I No. 6
Friday,
December 2, 2005
From all corners of the
county:
If
you’re heading South on Highway 101 through Fourth
Street in Eureka, prepare to pull your taste buds over
for a thorough break from the fast food and formula
restaurants that smatter the downtown area. As you approach
the bend that turns fourth into Broadway, look to your
left directly across from The Eureka Reporter’s
new building and you will see a Video rental with a
neon glowing trestle in the front directly on Fourth
Street. A humble sandwich board reading La Chaparrita
sits at the glass entrance which frames a picturesque
and lovely and festive dining area.
Co-owner
and Hostess Chendra is smiling behind the counter while husband
and Co-owner David works laboriously in the back inside the
kitchen. Their young son DJ plays off to the side, then snaps
to attention with menus in hand and a maturity beyond his
years. A warning fellas, he will charm the eyelids off of
your date, so watch out. The diversity of cultures just within
the small circle of friends I have is incredible and a blessing.
These folks are no exception! David is a Mexican American
who met Chendra, a Philippino American in Eureka. Their friend
and employee, T, is a young Cambodian American. They have
such happy faces, you can tell that they do this because they
love it and each other even more. The love flows out of the
kitchen and is reflected in the divine food which graces the
tables.
The
portions are generous and the prices modest. There is no item
more than twelve dollars, which is the Fajitas de Cameron,
a feast of prawns delightfully sautéed with caramelized
onions and colorful peppers. I had an order to see how big
it was and I couldn’t finish my plate,…but still
I craved more. Their burritos are bigger than the “salsa
famous chain restaurants” that are spattered amongst
Humboldt County and a lot tastier by my standards. There are
many who prefer the over commercialized clone cuisines to
whom I say, “Get thee a T.V. Dinner”. But, if
you want the real thing with excellent salsas both Red and
Verde, beans that are spiced just right, and a Spanish rice
that leaves you wanting an a la carte order, come to La Chaparrita
at 210 Fourth Street, Eureka.
