Have you ever frequented a restaurant for a long time, then forgotten it after trying other places to eat? Castillo?s Mexican Food was one of my family?s favorite Mexican restaurants, but after years of loyal visits, we moved on to other attractions. However, we are always rewarded with a great experience upon returning.

My family has had numerous celebrations and family events there, and never have we been dissatisfied with their service and quality of food. Castillo?s offers authentic Mexican food and an atmosphere one cannot forget.

In order to reevaluate the restaurant after neglecting it for so long, I made a recent visit to Castillo’s with my father.

After waiting for about ten minutes, our waiter seated us in the center of restaurant, allowing us to engage in conversations with people around us. As is traditional, the waiter brought out chips and salsa to start. The dining room was busy and filled with many large families, making us feel at home.

The waiter took our order promptly after seating us. I chose the carne asada torta, — a type of sandwich — something I always have ordered when I come to Castillo?s. Since my father is a picky eater, he decided to eat the carne asada combo just to be on the safe side.

With many people already enjoying their meals around me, the variety of smells, ranging from fresh to spicy foods, filled my nostrils and made me more hungry than when I first arrived.

Our food arrived after 15 minutes, and, as the server placed the hot plate in front of me, I could still hear part of my dish sizzling. My torta was indeed delicious, especially because the thick slices of Mexican bread that were grilled on the pan with butter. The torta consisted of mayonnaise mixed with butter, sliced lettuce, fresh avocado, cheese and carne asada.

The carne asada was cooked exactly to my liking: the meat was tender and soft, but crispy on the edges. The carne was seasoned perfectly with a blend of onions, garlic and oil and seemed to be a little burnt on the outside for a kick. I loved the way the cook left some of the fatty parts attached to the meat, which always tastes succulent.

Also served on my plate were thickly cut french fries; a Castillo’s signature. The fries were cooked to a golden brown perfection and sometime crispy like a chip. Although I wished the kitchen would add salt or any seasoning to the fries, the carne asada torta is truly one of my favorite dishes to eat.

My father ordered something quite similar to my entree, but, instead of a sandwich format, it included simply sliced carne asada with rice and beans. His plate was covered with a variety of bright colors to indulge in. He said the refried beans were his favorite because it reminded him of the beans his mother used to make when he was younger.

Castillo’s is one of the few Mexican restaurants that I admire for their cleanliness and for the servers who always have a smile on their face. Although Castillo’s would be considered a hole-in-the-wall, they serve authentic food for a great price. My carne asada torta was $8 and my fathers plate was around $10. The total bill came out to around $20.

Everyone can enjoy Castillo’s because of the wide variety of food served at the restaurant; Castillo’s has a dish for everyone. For those who enjoy a restaurant that is family-oriented and has good service, Castillo’s Mexican Food is the way to go. I definitely will be returning to Castillo’s very soon with all of my family.

Castillo’s is located on 4386 W Shaw Ave Fresno, CA 93722, and can be contacted at 559. 275.5360.

For more food reviews, read the Nov. 18 article, North India Bar and Grill serves exotic fair.