Let's Eat Out - El Torero offers good food, large portions

I went to El Torero on a Saturday at lunchtime when there was a mixed crowd of singles and married with kids. I was surprised how well everybody was getting along. Nobody's children were screeching and saying, "I don't like this." The singles weren't giving the married people the evil eye that says, "How dare you come out and have a good time with your family." A good time was being had by all.

Listening to the softly playing Mexican music in the background, my companion and I looked at the menu trying to decide what we wanted. This was a lot tougher than I thought it would be because everything looked scrumptious. My companion was ready to order while I was still reading the menu. He chose the chile con carne dinner. I chose a starter dish of chicken soup with big chunks of chicken, rice, avocado and lime. The soup could be a meal in itself and almost was for me. El Torero doesn't skimp on portions. You will be asking for a container at the end of the meal.

For my main course I had the carne asada: tender meat smothered with onions with rice and beans. I enjoyed it. My companion's dish looked good, too. We generally share dishes all the time, so without asking I stuck my fork in his plate to grab a bite. Wrong move. He deflected my fork, bared his teeth and growled at me.

He didn't leave a Whoville crumb on his plate, making the Grinch seem generous. After licking his fingers and sopping up his plate, he did return to the kind, civilized man I came in with. I think he liked it.

When we returned home I had with me my container of the carne asada. My 15-year-old swooped down on me, snatched my food and ran off like a native on a village raid. I'm beginning to get the feeling my loved ones don't think I feed them.

The service at the restaurant is very attentive, albeit perhaps a little too attentive. I like waiters to give me a space of 10 minutes after taking my order and getting drinks. Anything less than that and I feel like they are hovering.

Before anybody responds saying better too much than too little, I just want to state that I live by the Goldilocks principle ... just right.

Quick review: kid-friendly, moderate prices, good food (and will adjust spiciness to taste) and large portions (what you bring home won't last the night).

We had fun. Let's do this again.

$$

Send your suggestions or ideas to Rhon Abraham at P.O. Box 699; Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63702-0699 or e-mail her at news@semissourian.com.