to the westside Ricardo Jordan knew the way to his wife's heart would be through her stomach, but now his cooking has area Mexican food lovers very happy, too. Jordan and his wife, Donna Heiler, opened Chilango's, an intimate and authentic Mexican restaurant in the Village Woods Commons at 42 Nichols Street (Rt. 31 behind McDonald's). This family business, which includes the couple's four children, Jonathan, Jonathan, Christopher and Alex, is drawing many repeat customers and wowing first-time visitors. "It is really amazing to see the number of people on the west side who tell us how appreciative they are to have a place like this in this location," Heiler said. While the amount of business Chilango's has done in the first seven months is impressive, Heiler isn't surprised that everyone loves the food. "To be honest, I was so optimistic about his food I wasn't nervous at all about this venture," Heiler said. After all, Heiler remembers being reeled in by the taste of Jordan's cooking on their first date eight years ago. "The first time he invited me over he and his mother cooked for me," Heiler said. "It was amazing." Heiler said she considers herself a good cook, but it quickly became apparent at family gatherings that others were hoping it was Jordan's turn to cook. Jordan didn't learn to cook by chance; cooking runs in the family. The Mexico City native comes from a family in which his mother, father and uncle all own restaurants. Jordan spent many years working in the family restaurants in Acapulco and Cancun. "I love cooking," Jordan said. "It is something that's in my blood." Even before opening the restaurant Jordan always found reasons to cook. His last job was in construction, and Jordan would jump at the chance to cook for the other workers. Many of the dishes served at Chilango's are family traditions, some are Jordan's own. All entrees are homemade, and nothing like dishes served in Mexican chain restaurants. While Jordan runs the kitchen, Heiler handles most of the business end, makes the desserts and came up with the recipe for the Margaritas -- a customer favorite. The restaurant is cozy and brightly decorated; the couple said they decided to keep it small by design. "Keeping it small has made the experience more enjoyable," Heiler said. "The customers are wonderful people. It feels a lot like Cheers here." Heiler said she tries to make everyone comfortable by bringing out samples, occasionally refreshing Margaritas and entertaining small children. "We want everyone to leave happy and come again," Jordan said. Soon there will be more space for those who do stop by. Chilango's will be adding some adjoining space that will include a bar area. If you go Chilango's offers dine in, take out and catering. Gift certificates are also available. The restaurant is open: Tuesday-Thursday 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., 5-9 p.m. Friday 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., 5-10 p.m. Saturday 5-10 p.m. Sunday 3-8 p.m. Call 349-3030. |
