Being an Arizona girl, I fully reserve the right to turn my nose up to all of the El Rodeo's, El Puerto's, El Burrito's, La Casa's, etc. here in southwest Virginia. Those places may be run by Latinos but the food is far from authentic. Further, I have been to Mexico and they don't cook crap like that.
So when I heard another restaurant had opened in Blacksburg, I thought "So what?"
-It's a Mexican place.
-"Really, because we needed another El Rod."
-No, it's supposed to be authentic.
-"Really? I'll be the judge of that."
And so, my husband and I trotted over to Chu Cho's Fresh Mexican and Tortilla Factory. Tortilla factory? Well, this must be serious. We were quickly greeted and seated as it was a seemingly slow Monday night. We were put in the bar section next to the window, which was fine with me, I'm not picky; I was too excited for the food. Fifty feet from our table at the top of the room was the tortilla station. It wasn't big but I wondered how this area functioned on a game day. Anyway, our waitress, Maryjane, was very friendly and gave great service throughout our stay. As she left to gather our waters and the ceremonial chips and salsa, I opened the menu and I could have sworn I heard hymns in the background. There before me was a simple, gorgeous menu that was to point and straight out of Guadalupe Road. I couldn't help but smile. (Not a single #14 or #20 in sight.)
The chips and salsa arrived. The salsa tasted fresh, very tomato-ey and therefore sweet with a tiny bit of heat. I decided it was good. Back to the menu.
Unlike the other so called 'Mexican' restaurants that infiltrate the valley, this place actually knows how to keep it simple: a handful of appetizers including guacamole that is apparently made table side and a couple of soups that sounded absolutely amazing, 5 to 6 'Favorites' with about 7 extra side options that include nopales, plantains, and yucca. By the way, I haven't even turned the page at this point and I was ready to pee my pants from excitement. There were also some classics like a quesadilla and fajitas. In addition, plenty of draft beer, domestic and imported bottles, three specialty margaritas and one bangin' house margarita that arrives in a huge martini shaker which you use to refill your doubles glass yourself. I got one of course, and it was good, about equivalent to Cabo Fish Taco's Poor Man's Margarita. Not to mention, it was only $4 because apparently Mondays are house margarita night. Holla!
After careful selection I ordered the carnitas, which are chunks of pork summered all day long and fried up. I also ordered a side of plantains because I love plantains. Two margarita shakes later our feast arrived. The plates were beautiful, bright, and full of fresh food that smelled amazing. My dish came with rice, black beans, 2 different salsas- a spicy red and a green tomatillo, and freshly shredded green leaf lettuce topped with some pico. GREEN LEAF people! None of this iceberg lettuce crap. Todd got some corn cakes topped with refried beans, red cabbage, crema and three different meat selections- chicken, steak and chorizo, including rice. I immediately dug in. I didn't even notice my missing tortillas- which weren't missing at all- they appeared shortly after being made to order by the guy manning the tortilla station. Tortillas made to order, ya'll! One word: AWESOME.
The carnitas were fall apart tender and seasoned perfectly. I would've eaten an entire plateful but then I got to the rice. Cooked in stock/broth and lightly seasoned with herbs and tomatoes, it was incredibly flavorful. The tortillas were soft and perfect and so hot I had to give them a minute. The black beans were just that, and the 2 salsas were a great change. I was a little disappointed with the plantains which were topped with queso fresco. I felt they lacked depth of flavor and needed some light seasoning to make them pop. Todd's entree was delicious as well. The corn cakes were a little dry but the toppings were incredibly tasteful; each meat selection was perfectly seasoned. His plate too looked beautiful. I maybe ate half my plate then gave in. At the end of the meal, Maryjane asked if we wanted dessert and we laughed. She said we were missing out then informed us some of the desserts included empanadas filled with Nutella. WHAT! For this alone I shall return this weekend.
Needless to say, Chu Cho's made my night. Our tab, after 2 entrees, a side, and a huge margarita was $35. Considering the amazing quality and the sheer quantity of food we received, I believe the price is worth it. I can only hope the rest of the town will spread the work of this true Mexican dining haven.
2 THUMBS UP
Chu- Chos
400 Turner Street, Blacksburg, VA 24060
(540) 552-0095
