The Long Wait Defeats Experience in Visit to Casa Gamino Authentic Mexican Resaurant in Anaheim, Ca

Good authentic Mexican food on this side of the border is not always easy to find, so I jumped at the chance to have lunch at a fairly popular place near our home in Anaheim, California. Casa Gamino Authentic Mexican Restaurant was easy to find, located in a small strip mall on the corner of Brookhurst Ave. and Ball Rd. at 1228 S. Brookhurst St. Anaheim, California 92804. The restaurant's location is also conveniently located within five miles of Disneyland or Knott's Berry Farm in Southern California.

When my two friends and I pulled up to Casa Gamino, there was ample, convenient parking available, including several spaces reserved directly in front of the restaurant for handicapped people. The restaurant is decorated in a light Spanish style theme that is cheerful and spacious. We were quickly welcomed and seated at a booth per my request, near the rear of the large dining room. I noticed a sign advertising an all you can eat lunch buffet available daily from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for $7.45 daily. Unfortunately we had arrived at 2:30 p.m. and the buffet was over. Our host welcomed us, handed us our menus while taking our drink orders and told us he would return shortly for our food order. We used the fifteen minutes that it took before our drinks arrived to scan the abundant choices on the menu, including a full service bar menu that listed Domestic and Imported Beers and Sangria by the glass or the pitcher, along with the usual variety of Margaritas and other cocktails. After finally receiving the soft drinks that we had ordered we made our food choices.

I decided to order a plate from the "Favorites" column. I ordered the 'Flautas,' which gave me the choice of beef or shredded chicken, stuffed into two deep fried flour tortillas and an ample serving of beans and rice. 'The Flautas,' come also with salsa, guacamole and sour cream for dipping. I asked for the 'Flautas' with chicken, plain with just the sour cream and no sauce or guacamole and was pleased to find out that my instructions were followed perfectly. My companions each had decided to order something different so that we could try a wider variety of the food. One friend chose the #5 'Combination' for $8.20 which came with a cheese enchilada and a beef taco as well as well as a large servings of beans and rice. Our other companion chose a "Gamino Specialty," which was one of the most expensive items on the menu at $15.50. He decided to try the 'Fajitas de Carne', which consisted of marinated, grilled beef cooked with bell peppers, tomatoes and onions. This meal also includes your choice of soup or salad and comes with copious portions of beans and rice and tortillas. Our companion chose the 'Caldo de Albondigas' or (Meatball soup) which was declared, "fantastic," by all who tasted it. Everything was cooked to perfection and we all agreed that the taste was wonderful. The experience could have been a great one, if it had not been for the slow, inattentive service.

Casa Gamino offers an extensive menu with all of the standard fare, including Appetizers ranging in prices from $4.70 - $8.55 including several types of Nachos including something called the Mexican Pizza for $7.25. There is a large variety of beef, chicken and seafood available all cooked in the authentic Mexican style. There are also several caldos or soups and salads available. Casa Gamino carries a children's menu with all of the standards, including toasted cheese sandwiches or hamburgers for the kids who are picky eaters. The child's plates can be purchased for $4.15. Drinks are separate. There are various varieties of burritos too including wet or dry burritos and several 'lunch specials,' that can be ordered at a very low price between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

There were only one or two other patrons in Casa Gamino when we arrived and I noticed several young servers chatting in the corner. I assumed our service would be quick and cordial. I explained to our server that I would be doing an Internet review of their restaurant and requested a copy of the take-out menu to take with me. He did provide me with the menu and I thanked him and began studying the facility around me. We then bagan the wait for our food. We waited and waited, while the servers continued their unhurried conversation in the corner. A man who appeared to be the manager sat nearby doing paperwork ignoring everything else around him. After almost another half hour our food arrived to our table. The food was hot and I had started feeling a bit that way myself because our meal was beginning to feel like attending some long marathon and not a late lunch at all. We ate and then requested that our left overs be placed in containers to eat later, and we were rewarded with a couple of Styrofoam containers which we used unceremoniously. During our meal we were never offered refills on our drinks or apologized to for our long wait.

If you decide to give Casa Gamino Authentic Mexican Restaurant a try, I would advise going when you have plenty of time and patience to spare. The food is quite good and is as authentic as you can get this side of the border. During evenings on Thursday nights and through the weekend, there is live musical entertainment provided. Casa Gamino is open for breakfast, though does not have a very extensive breakfast menu. You may also make reservations or just drop by at your convenience. Casa Gamino Authentic Restaurant is located at 1228 S. Brookhurst St. Anaheim, California, 92804. You may call them at (714) 956-1120 or (714) 956 1121. I might return for the food eventually if and when I have lots of time to spare.