El Santuario Tacos & Cocktails

"Unique Tacos and Tasty Cocktails with a Chill Vibe"

It's been almost a year since I have written a blog post. Sorry for the delay, I have been busy with work and family stuff. Anyhow, I had the pleasure of checking out the newest creation by Hector Burnias owner of The Flying Pig Grill & Cantina. His newest restaurant and the food he provides inspired me to sit down and write up a quick review for you guys.

Many of you know Hector, for those that don't I will give a quick into. Hector is a local guy that was born and raised in Olmito. His family has owned businesses there for decades. His restaurants are just the latest version of their impact on their little community. Hector has traveled a great deal and he decided Brownsville needed something different in terms of culinary and bar offerings. So he brought back his experience and first created The Flying Pig Grill and Cantina which I have reviewed in the past. Click below to read that review.

The Flying Pig Blog Post:
http://brownsvilleliving.blogspot.com/2016/09/flying-pig-grill-cantina-awesome.html

Hector's goal with The Pig and now El Santuario is to create a unique experience that you can't get anywhere else. This starts with the food and goes all the way to the art on the wall. Speaking of which Hector's art is one of a kind art from Oaxaca, MX. There is no generic decor here... He has more plans for the atmosphere and exterior appeal but his real draw is the food and his highly selective list of fine Tequilas that go with his theme.

As for food offerings, he set out to create something you can't get anywhere else locally or perhaps anywhere near here... His plates are composed of very high quality and unique ingredients such as Quail, Soft Shell Crab, Duck, Pork Belly, Short Ribs, Fig, Brisket, etc. This is not your standard fair by any stretch although the location and current curb appeal would make you think you are getting just that.

The restaurant is located just south of the Olmito exit in the old KOA builiding which looks like an older Whataburger. The interior has been tastefully remodeled and has a nice cozy atmosphere. I went by last night and ate 5 tacos and had three cocktails and ended up sitting there for three hours. If you know me that's not my style. I pretty much eat, chat briefly and move on. But I had a great time savoring my food, drink and the conversation of Hector, his staff and the other patrons.

As for the food, I had three different options thanks to Hector. He first let me sample the Quail Tacos. They were extremely good. I loved the blend of flavors that you simply must try to appreciate. It consisted of Jalapeno and bacon wrapped quail lightly fried with corn and queso sause. I also tried the Soft Shell Crab Taco which had a lightly breaded crab, house coleslaw and blue corn tortillas. My only complaint here was there was literally too much crab but I can't see how that would be a problem for most people. He also brought me a Bistec Taco which was best and healthiest Bistec Taco I have ever had. They use a special technique to cook all their meets, they do not use any grease! Hector will have to tell you about it but his food is very healthy and all you get is the true flavors of the ingredients. Oh and I had a sample of my fellow diner's appetizer which was a sliced ears of corn with a Chipotle Aioli, Queso and Cilantro. That was also very unique and tasty.

Overall I had a very nice dining experience with quality food, affordable prices, nice atmosphere, tasty cocktails and great people. I recommend you check it out soon and tell your friends to Be part of it.




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Written by Craig Grove:

The Vermillion Restaurant - "See y'all at The V"

"You're home away from home!"

Today's Brownsville Living Restaurant Profile is on "The Vermillion" otherwise fondly known as "The V." I became familiar with The V shortly after moving to Brownsville. I didn't know many people and was really just looking for a place to eat. From day one I have been more than pleased with the food and service at The V. They have a great cozy atmosphere, a robust menu, affordable prices, great service, flat screens and cold beer! What's not to like?

Thought this was funny... from the TV Show "V"

But much like many places I have profiled The V has a very interesting history. It is one of the oldest active restaurants in Brownsville. It was established in 1933 by Mr. and Mrs. Vermillion as a no frills burger and beer stand. The owner was even known to cary a pistol on his hip in true border town fashion. In a relatively short time it became well loved for quality food at a great price. In the 1940s  it was taken over by Gil Davidson who continued and expanded on the traditions created by the Vermillion. In 1971 Mr. Davidson handed the operation to his son Dan who is still actively involved with the operations. But as of a year ago he handed the reins to George Perez who is the current owner operator. 

Original Location

George started at The V many years ago and worked his way up to ownership! Over the years he encouraged Dan to become more involved in hosting parties such as Oktober Fest and their Mardi Gras Party which is a local favorite. These events combined with the aforementioned attributes keep it a local hot spot. On any given day you will find everyone from a traveler to elected officials enjoying comfort food in a friendly environment. They were even visited by President Carter and many other prominent folks over the years. Basically if you have friends from out of town visiting this place is a must. 

George Perez - Owner/Operator

Perhaps the best thing about The V is atmosphere. If you are even remotely social it's nearly impossible to go in there at any given time and not see a friend or acquaintance. And for the most part the atmosphere is conducive to friendly jovial interactions. Everything about the place reminds me of "Cheers." Their staff has been there a long time so they all know you and remember you and make you feel very welcome. 

Awesome Ceviche

Fantastic Fish Tacos! 

It's one of those rare places where people seem happy to work and stay for a long time. The V is a perfect example of the reason for Brownsville Living. It's that place that gives Brownsville it's identity. It's not merely a restaurant... it's a tradition. It's a home for those who have left, a gathering place for friends and business associates... it's a place where no matter who you are or where you are from... you are encouraged to Be part of it. 

PS - The Vermillion's annual Mardi Gras Party is coming up Tuesday, February 28 and this is an awesome bash! They set up a huge tent, get a DJ and provide free cajun food and party favors. It's definitely one of my favorite events of the year! Here's the info:

Facebook Invite to Vermillion Mardi Gras Party

https://www.facebook.com/events/1299707566763548/

PPS - We are hosting the Brownsville Living Selfie Awards on Friday, February 10th at Cobbleheads and we will be giving away Gift Certificates to The V and tickets to the Mardi Gras Party! 

The Selfie Awards FB Invite

https://www.facebook.com/events/398728197135747/

Blog Writer Craig Grove

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Grove Realty Team

Teri Rendon providing comfort @The Carriage House Day Spa... NO MATTER WHAT!

"Renegade Spa Owner" 

Teri Rendon - Owner The Carriage House Day Spa

Today's Brownsville Living People Profile is about my dear friend Teri Rendon owner of Carriage House Day Spa. As I look back on the last several years of my life there are few people that have had as great an impact on me as Teri. And I would venture to guess I am just one of many people who can say that. I met Teri as I have met most people in this community... you guessed it, online. 

I had just launched Brownsville Living on Facebook in February of 2010. This was in the days when FB was still in the wild west phase. There were no ads and networks actually grew organically. Before FB put clamps on growth to force you to advertise. I had a small group of about 300 people which I was happy with. Then over night my group jumped to like 700 people! I was shocked so I investigated and found that a lady named Teri Rendon had invited all of her friends to join the group. 

I had never met her and was not familiar with her business but I reached out to thank her for sharing the group. She told me she loved the idea and was the owner of a spa downtown. This of course was exactly the type of person I wanted to reach and have in the group. She was a local business owner and one who invested in our historic downtown. Soon we became good friends. We are the type of friends who can not talk for months and then pickup exactly where we left off within minutes. I love that about her. She is not high maintenance or sensitive. She can take as much as she can give and I get along well with people like that because I am always saying insensitive stuff. 

ME...

However, this article is not about our friendship though I could write a very entertaining short story on that as well... This about Teri. Teri is truly a renegade business owner. She exemplifies the old school hard nocks businessperson.  I could imagine her running a saloon in the old west looking amazing while carrying a pistol on her hip. Her mere gaze would have dusty cowboys quaking in their boots reminding them of an angry mother who was about to open a can of whoop ass... 

How I imagine Teri... 

She has the amazing talent of being exceedingly nurturing and brutally honest at the same time. Unless you are a very well paying customer you can't get away with shit with Teri... and even then she has her limits. Disrespect her, her staff, her family or friends in any real since and frankly you could be million dollar client getting an ear full as she personally removes you from her business. With that said, she will move heaven and earth to accommodate her clients. 

Christine and I taking part in a commercial shoot

To that end she chose to build a business downtown before anyone thought it was hip to be in downtown Brownsville. Those were the days when the only thing you heard about downtown was don't go there. But Teri had enough talent and following that she felt she could create an amazing atmosphere and quality service customers would be willing to venture into downtown. She found a crumbling structure that was once a actual carriage house and she had it renovated into a hip, comfy space that could be in upper Manhattan. 

Not only does Teri treat her customers special she also extends that characteristic to her staff and fellow small business owners. She understands the importance of reciprocal relationships. She supports and promotes the businesses that support and promote her. This is critical in our world and sets her apart as many people don't quite get that concept. They want you to come into their business but when it's time to use the service of another they give little thought to who has walked through their doors. 

Small Business Owners at reception at The Carriage House

Teri has many great qualities that make her an amazing entrepreneur but perhaps her best overall quality is her fierce loyalty. She cares deeply for the people that she invites into her life. She will literally do anything within reason to help you if you have shown loyalty to her. Perhaps this is what attracts me to her the most. I know no matter how many people walk in and out of my life... as long as she is around I have a place in her business and her life. Teri, thank you for being a great friend, great promoter, great supporter of our community and for letting me Be part of it. 

If you'd like to check out the days spa you can find more info on the FB Page:

https://www.facebook.com/CarriageHouseDaySpa/

Writer Craig Grove & Sons

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