Casa Colombia is located in east Austin in a small building that looks like it used to be someone’s residence. There are two small dining rooms inside, which make for an intimate setting. We were seated in the front of the back dining room, next to the live musicians. I felt like we were having our own private concert!

Casa Colombia Ceviche

I spent my teenage and college summers studying in Mexico. One of the dishes I absolutely fell in love with was ceviche, fresh marinated fish.

Casa Colombia serves ceviche on weekends. If I could go there every weekend just to eat their version of this dish, I would. The marinade is tasty and tangy. I’ve tasted other ceviche in Austin and there seemed to be more onions than fish. Not at Casa Colombia where the appetizer is just about all fish. Plaintains are a perfect complement to the dish.

Casa Colombia Entrees

The food at Casa Colombia is innovative, fresh, delicious and beautifully plated.

I chose the Tamal valluno, corn masa stuffed with pork, beef, chicken and vegetables, wrapped in plantains leaves — served with rice, salad and green plantains. It was really delicious. To save room for dessert, I took half of the meal home. It was just as delicious the next day.

The hubster loved his Pechuga Rellena, grilled chicken breast stuffed with cheese, mushrooms, spinach and pico de gallo — served with mash potatoes, salad and black beans. The chicken was tender and the stuffing was fresh and flavorful.

Dessert at Casa Colombia

The creamy caramel flan was scrumptious and beautiful.

The tres leches cake was a perfect end to a perfect meal.

Website: http://www.casa-colombia.com/

1614 E 7th St
Austin, TX 78702
(512) 495-9425

Hours:
Tuesday-Thursday: 11 AM – 9 PM
Friday – Saturday: 11 AM – 10 PM
Sunday: 11 AM – 6 PM

Friday nights feature an all-you-can-eat buffet. I decided to try a few items and then go back if I had room for more.

On my plate and in my tummy:

• Pozole
• Enchiladas Tejanas
• Tacos Dorados
• Picadillo
• Lengua
• Chicken Pepe  (this was my favorite)
• Carne Guisada
• Rice
• Flour Tortillas

The chicken and lengua were incredibly tender and tasty.

I was stuffed and wanted to save room for dessert, so I will have to wait until my next visit to try something different from the buffet.

What I will try next time:

• Costilla de Puerco
• Huesitos de Res
• Puerco a la Mexicano
• Charro Beans
• Chiles Rellenos

Mrs. Morales is the pastry chef at El Faro. My husband and I shared a flan and a piece of tres leches cake. WOW. The flan was great. And the tres leches cake has to be the best I’ve eaten in Austin. The photo above is a tres leches cake that she had prepared for a birthday party.

If you are a fan of fresh and delicious food, served with care and a smile, then El Faro is just the place for you!

El Faro Taco & Cafe
1779 Wells Branch Pkwy # 108
Austin, TX 78728
(512) 252-3430

Hours:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday through Friday: 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday: 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM