Enchiladas Mexican Restaurant spices up downtown Brooksville

BROOKSVILLE

Despite the economic pall that has stifled many Hernando County businesses, Patricia and Lucio Correa think they've arrived in Brooksville just in time. The future seems full of promise, they say, and they want to be a part of it.

Last week, the Correas opened Enchiladas Mexican Restaurant at the location that once housed Frankie's Restaurant and the Broad Street Cafe, bringing downtown diners yet another option.

There's no reason to not think the Correas' new Mexican cuisine venture won't be successful. Located across the street from the county government complex, Enchiladas is a prime target for lunchtimers looking for a quick and tasty midday meal. A reasonably priced dinner menu will no doubt provide a lure for patrons looking for adventuresome dining.

As far as the food is concerned, Enchiladas is whatever you want it to be. Want quick and easy? There's a host of lunch favorites, including burritos, enchiladas, gorditas and tacos, served with a side of rice and beans for about $6. For a little more, you can sample traditional Mexican light meals such as chile relleno ($7.50) and chorizo con huevo ($7.50).

If you're looking to get more serious, this is where chef Javier Garcia shows his stuff.

Chile verde con nopales ($10.95) is a classic Mexican dish that combines spicy pork chunks with a flavorful sauce of green tomatillo and cactus (yes, cactus). For seafood lovers, camarones blanco ($13.50) is a comfortable yet saucy blend of marinated shrimp and pico de gallo served over a warm bed of rice.

The Correas, who operated restaurants in New Jersey before relocating to Florida a few years ago, have grand visions for their eatery. For now, Enchiladas' lack of decor is forgivable. A little more art on the walls, some linen tablecloths, plus a few other homey touches would easily do the trick.

In time, Enchiladas could become a true gem for Brooksville and a fine fit for an area that continues its earnest march toward a worthy dining destination.

Logan Neill can be reached at lneill@sptimes.com or (352) 848-1435.

About this feature

Diversions publishes a periodic feature called "What's Cooking," a look at some of Hernando County's favorite dining spots. We welcome recommendations from readers. If you have a place in mind for us to visit, please drop us a line at What's Cooking, Hernando Times, 15365 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville, FL 34613, or e-mail your suggestion to lneill@sptimes.com. Be sure to include the name and address of the restaurant and a brief description of what you like about it.