April 13, 2006

Casa Teresa features authentic tastes

By Sean Eastwood
Special to the TImes

Casa Teresa has its share of loyal regular customers. For newcomers, however, the first words spoken are usually the same, “I didn’t know there was a Mexican restaurant in the neighborhood.”

Casa Teresa owner and manager Jesse Flores

Owner and manager Jesse Flores says he is always amazed by the remarks as the restaurant will soon be celebrating its 24th year in Santa Teresa. Over the years Casa Teresa has consistently served authentic Mexican food at reasonable prices.

The restaurant may be small but it serves up big tastes. The Vera Cruz-style shrimp cocktail is served in a tumbler with chunks of avocado and cilantro makes a great appetizer. Or try the grilled Spanish chorizo sausages served with Pico de Gallo, which makes a great side dish to share with a friend.

Patrons interviewed at Casa Teresa enjoy sharing their favorite menu items and are especially impressed with the excellent guacamole, carnitas and shrimp cocktail. They like the interesting enchiladas stuffed with chili relleno and covered with chili colorado.

For a lighter lunch, the a la Carta items are the way to go. Try the chicken or beef flautas ($5.99), or the tostada ($2.59). For the non-meat lovers, there’s also the vegetarian burrito ($4.59).

Flores recently installed two flat screen televisions. “Now patrons will not miss favorite sporting events on the weekends,” said Flores. During lunch, soap operas are the rage.

Once you experience the food and personal service you most likely will return, again and again. So why head for the border when you can enjoy authentic Mexican food in the neighborhood?

Casa Teresa is located at 6029 Snell Ave., in the Nob Hill Shopping Center. Lunch and dinner served Mon – Sat 11-3. Breakfast and lunch served Sunday 12-3. Menudo served Fri – Sun. Beer and Wine. Takeout (408) 629-7827.