Mexican pride at Muy Bueno

A few months ago, while researching for an article, I stumbled upon a tiny Mexican restaurant run by two sisters in the Town Plaza off Independence called Muy Bueno. Upon entering, my stomach immediately started to growl. The aromas coming from the kitchen were spicy and fresh. At the time, I couldn't sit down for a bite to eat. Recently, I took a break from my busy schedule to sit down with some friends and enjoy the spicy smells that I had experienced just weeks before.

I was greeted with a smile when I walked through the door and was told to help myself to a drink from the soda machine. I could tell that the expression "Mi casa es su casa" (my house is your house) played a role in what this restaurant was all about. The owner's husband waits on tables and runs the register while she and her sister cook up their family's traditional recipes in the kitchen.

The decor in this tiny restaurant reflects the owners' Mexican pride. The bright-colored artwork is all made in Mexico and even the ceiling fans are painted the colors of the Mexican flag. I was eager to sit down and fill my stomach with some authentic food.

Thick crunchy tortilla chips and freshly-made salsa were placed in front of me to munch on while I browsed the menu. Both were delicious, but I tried to hold back my urge to eat more because I wanted to leave room for

my meal.

The menu had a variety of traditional foods, such as tacos, burritos, quesadillas, flautas and tamales. The prices were extremely reasonable especially for people, like me, who are on a low budget. Prices ranged from $1.50 for a taco to $5.50 for a combination special. I also noticed that services are available for carry-out and catering.

I immediately saw the blurb on the menu saying, "Guacamole upon request!" because it's one of my favorite foods, so I ordered a serving. It tasted like the avocados had just been smashed and there was a perfect amount of cilantro and spices. I'm a regular connoisseur of Mexican food and this was, by far, the best guac I have ever had in a restaurant.

For my main meal I had chicken flautas, which is basically three deep-fried corn tortillas with meat in the middle, and they're topped with lettuce, tomato, sour cream and include rice and beans for $4.75 -- not bad. The chicken was tender and moist, wrapped in a crunchy shell, and was perfect mixed with the sour cream and veggies. Needless to say, I could only finish one flauta because I couldn't resist the chips and guacamole earlier.

Overall, I have to say that this place gets an A+. The food was fresh, the service was excellent and I just might go back for more tomorrow.

If you're interested in checking out Muy Bueno, they are located at 2007 Independence St. in Cape Girardeau.