El Jefe Mexican Restaurant & Grill
OPINION —
What was your favorite age to be? When you’re young, you want to be older; when you’re older, you want to be younger.
Well, I’m 61, and I’m happy to be my age; I have no desire to be any other age. However, I’m not fond of the aches and pains I have now which didn’t exist in my younger days.
In my 40s and 50s, I loved it when people thought I was younger than I was. However, when someone thought I was older than my actual age, I had to restrain myself.
For instance, when I was about 49, Mike and I went to a movie in LaGrange, where we then lived and taught. The woman at the ticket counter innocently asked me if I qualified for a senior discount. I wanted to pull her through that small hole in the glass. Thankfully, I just turned to Mike and said, “Wow! I must look more tired than I thought I did.” Teaching middle schoolers can do that to you.
It’s funny how my attitude about age has changed. Now, I quickly ask if I qualify for the senior discount. Hey, if you’re aging, you might as well save some money.
Last week, Mike and I tried a restaurant, which offers seniors and students a 10% discount: El Jefe Mexican Restaurant & Grill at 1447 Opelika Road in Auburn. Mexican food and a discount — what’s not to love?
When Mike and I entered the restaurant, I admired the colorful interior and the neon “War Eagle” sign. Yes, even at 3-5, I still love my Auburn Tigers and always will.
El Jefe, which means “the Boss” in English, is locally owned by Oscar Alvarez. The restaurant opened about a year ago.
Jonna, our server, was a delight, being kind, helpful and patient. Also, he gets bonus points for not laughing at my attempts to speak Spanish.
For our appetizer, we ordered a small cheese dip; it was really great. Also, we were happy that our tortilla chips were crispy and not greasy. In addition, our salsa was tasty and didn’t burn our lips. If food burns my lips, I’m not having a good time.
Mike ordered a steak fajita burrito, which was served with rice and beans. I chose the chicken fajitas, which were served with rice, beans, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo, bell peppers, squash and mushrooms.
Our entrees were slap your Grandma two times good. If you love fresh, delicious Mexican food, El Jefe is the place for you.
Besides our wonderful cheese dip and chips, El Jefe also serves a great selection of appetizers, like chicken wings, fresh oysters, beef dip, spinach dip and tableside guacamole.
The restaurant also offers diners a huge selection of nachos, soups, salads, quesadillas, chimichangas, burritos, enchiladas, fajitas, tacos, steak dinners, seafood entrees, Mexican style chicken and combination dinners. Desserts include sopapilla, flan, fried ice cream, street corn and churros.
Believe me, try El Jefe — you will be glad you did. Our sweet neighbors, Michael and Michelle, recommended El Jefe to us; therefore, Michael and Michelle, this review is for you.
El Jefe is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
El Jefe Mexican Restaurant & Grill makes the grade with an A+ from this retired English teacher. Remember, “Pooh-sized” people NEVER lie about food. Enjoy!
Stacey Patton Wallace, who retired from teaching language arts for 30 years, is a professional diner. Stacey may be reached at retirelangartsteacher2020@gmail.com.
