The story of Casa Garcia's restaurant in Anaheim is the story of the Garcia family. Beginning in Texas, the Mexicans would take the food thrown away by cowboys (because the cowboys didn't know how to fix it) and make delicious dishes that they would then sell back to the cowboys. Tripe, intestines and beef head became menudo, tacos and tamales.

Frank and Silvia Garcia had moved to Orange county back in the 60s. In the early 70s, they opened Casa Garcia, which has been a family run business ever since. Besides the top quality food, there is a lot of love here - in the cooking and the serving. There is no question that the Mexican food served here is among the best in Orange county.

So why does it hurt to be a vegetarian? Because this restaurant is not veg-friendly. There are cheese enchiladas and there is one vegetarian appetizer (sauteed mushrooms with wine, onions, chives and lots of butter.) Unfortunately, for those of us who see this diet as one pursued for health reasons, cheese and butter are limited parts of our diet.

For those of you, however, who do eat meat, poultry and seafood - check out Casa Garcia next time you go to Disneyland. Here are a few menu choices that my family always loved:

Fajitas: These come served with rice, beans, homemade guacamole and salsa. They can be ordered for one or two people. If you're on a budget, there are beef, chicken and pork versions available. (I used to adore the chicken ones). If you are feeling like something a bit pricier and more exotic, try the lobster or shrimp fajitas. These are still quite reasonable. (Lobster fajitas for 1 are under $20. for 2, under $30)

There are no vegetarian burritos on the regular menu, though if you ask the kitchen can make you one. The macho thing to eat here, however, is the King Rancho Burrito. I never liked this (not a big beef eater, even when I did eat meat.) The guys, however, took pleasure in seeing who could finish a whole one. The King Rancho Burrito is one and one-half pounds of ground beef, rice, tomatoes, onions, cheese, peppers, and heaven only knows what else. It's served smothered in enchilada sauce and cheese. A tip to the men out there who are tempted to down this in a sitting.... honey, it's not romantic to see a man have to loosen his belt buckle at the table because he has just gorged. Even mroe unpleasant is a man who gets indigestion and belches in our face all night from over indulging. Take some of this home and we'll still think you manly. You might even get some nookie out of your honey.

Casa Garcia specializes in seafood and has a large and varied menu. Pancho's Favorite (and a lot of other people's) is shrimp stuffed with crab and wrapped in bacon. Keeping with the idea of stuffing shrimp, they also have a chile rellenos de camarones which consists of shrimp stuffed with mild chile topped with Spanish sauce.

There is a wide variety of soups from abondigas (meatball soup) to caldo siete mares (soup of the seven seas.) Again, no vegetarian offerings here, but in pre-vegetarian days, these were all splendid.

La Casa Garcia has received many awards over the years for their food. They have also been involved in many humanitarian efforts in the community and were recognized as one of George Bush's (the daddy's) 1000 points of light. Thus, besides good food a visit to La Casa Garcia ensures continued good works in the community by a family who really demonstrates their caring.

Besides Frank and Silvia, the family at the restaurant includes Veronica, Cindy, Xavier and Francisco. This is a place that is full of love and it shows in everything they do.

*************
If you want to read more of my Orange County area restaurant reviews, just follow the links below:

Mandarin Palace - Fullerton
Acapulco - Anaheim
Mr. Stox - Anaheim
La Casa Garcia - Anaheim
Angelo and Vinci’s Backstage Pizza - Fullerton
Rutabegorz - Fullerton




Recommended: Yes

Kid Friendliness: Yes
Vegetarian Friendly: No
Notes, Tips or Menu Recommendations This is a great place to take the whole family
Best Suited For: Kids and Families