A common thread shared by many of the restaurants profiled here each week is the family connection.
These restaurants were created by enterprising owners who literally grew up spending hours in their kitchen, a room often referred to as the heart of the home.
Whether one sibling or an entire family pursues the culinary interests sparked as food was prepared or served while they helped out while learning basic cooking skills, the results ─ their family business ─ benefits everyone.
It starts in the home
The atmosphere you experience when you step inside many family-owned replicates the home ─ the name, the colors, the décor.
Menus may highlight original recipes or traditional dishes that have undergone a bit of tweaking with different ingredients or preparation techniques.
These qualities along with the experience gained in preparing and serving every dish are what make each family restaurant unique.
A case in point is El Patron, the family-owned restaurant and icon for delicious traditional Mexican food in Phelan.
Experience matters
Salvador Diaz has devoted more than 25 years perfecting his culinary skills in the kitchen. He learned to “cook it all” and gradually built his repertoire of recipes and tweaks for each. His dream was to own a family restaurant and include his growing family in its day-to-day operation.
A few years ago, he decided it was time, and his eldest son Salvador “Chava” Diaz set about making their business plan. Chava was 17 years old and ready to help his father make the dream come true.
He was in for quite an adventure.
Names mean everything
Starting a new business means long hours and hard work, and sometimes includes more than a little remodeling.
“We didn’t get much sleep those first few years,” Chava said, adding that vacations and days off were also not in the cards at first.
In 2017, El Patron opened for business.
Chava was willing and able to do any job once the restaurant opened ─ busing tables, sweeping and mopping floors, greeting and seating, taking orders, serving dishes, you name it.
One obstacle occurred about two years after El Patron opened. The pandemic caused changes in many businesses, but it didn’t stop El Patron. They simply fine-tuned their order preparation skills for takeout and delivery.
Adding to the staff
Salvador was soon joined in the kitchen by his wife Herminia. Eventually the rest of the family ─ Jorge, David and Yesenia ─ began working at the restaurant. They started by learning the basics from Chava. Jorge is now “learning the kitchen.”
Chava’s wife Jasmin is also a busy and important member of the team.
Now for the menu
At El Patron, tacos are so special, they are featured two different days. Taco Tuesdays ─ soft shell street tacos ─ are served from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Regular sized crispy shelled tacos are served all day Thursdays.
Menudo is available every day, and El Patron’s fajitas are customer favorites, The molcajete bowls and chili rellenos get high marks as well.
The restaurant is also known for its seafood. The choices include soups, cocktails, and shrimp specialties as well as fish platters that all sound tempting.
A la carte, combination plates and a menu section featuring traditional Mexican fare are available too.
Dinner specials make dining at El Patron a delicious attraction for customers. The specials menu includes chili relleno, tamale or enchilada, served after 3 p.m. daily for $10.99. Customers can add up to three items per plate for an extra charge.
Check their online menu for additional information..
Giving back to the community
El Patron is open to assisting with school and community events with sponsorships or catering opportunities. Their catering menu is comprehensive, and they can suggest ways to make your event a success.
When you go
- What: El Patron, Mexican & Seafood Family Restaurant, 3724 Phelan Road.
- When: Open daily 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Street Taco Tuesdays, Crispy Taco Thursdays.
- Information: 442-936-9300. full bar. Limited seating. Daily dinner specials from select menu. Online menu on Yelp! and MenuPix. Dine in, takeout. Catering menu.
If you would like your restaurant profiled in Dining Around, text/call 760-953-8682 or email kaynhuey@aol.com.
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