Super-short supper
Enchiladas
2 cans tomato sauce
Chili pepper to taste
1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 1/4 pounds Colby cheese, grated
2 packages of flour tortilla shells
2 packages of flour tortilla shens Vegetable oil for frying the tortillas 1/2 head lettuce, shredded
Photo courtesy of www.paisanomexicano.com
Put the tomato sauce in a large pot to simmer. Add enough chili powder to turn the sauce into a rich brown color, tasting as you go to reach the desired degree of spiciness. Hold some sauce in reserve, for final tasting.
While the sauce simmers, brown and drain the ground beef and set aside to cool. Add the chopped onion and 1/2 to 3/4 of the cheese to the ground beef and mix well. Ladle the sauce as needed onto a large plate (a pie tin serves equally as well). Quickly fry the tortillas in oil and drag them through the sauce.
Fill each tortilla with the meat mixture and lettuce, and roll up. Place filled tortillas, single layered in a baking pan.
After the pan is filled to heavenly capacity, test the sauce for spiciness. If it's not hot enough, add more. Pour the reserved sauce over each pan and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
Place the pan in a warm oven until ready to serve.
Servings: 5
Recipe from www.cooks.com
—Anja Winikka
Westside Deli and Bistro 4931 W. Sixth St.
The restaurant formerly known as Westside Deli and Market has a casual café feel with its umbrella topped tables outside, and booths and tables inside. Dine on gourmet quality food while gazing at the photograph lined walls.
**Food type:** This deli by day, bistro by night, has a definite French flair, says executive chef Francis Sheil. The menu has stepped up to include fancier dishes. Depending on what time of day it is, patrons can select from the separate breakfast, lunch or dinner menus. Choose from a variety of omelets, sandwiches, steaks and seafood to suit your mood.
Price range: Breakfast and lunch items such as blintzes and sandwiches generally range from about $5 to$ 9. The French influenced dinner items, such as Ragout de Boef à la Madeira, which are pieces of filet and loin in a Madeira wine demi glaze, are kicked up in both quality and price, ranging from $14 to$ 24. Small plates, or appetizers such as fromage français or French cheese, cost about $7 to$ 14.
Date-worthiness: Absolutely, the food is rich and romantic but the atmosphere is informal and friendly.
Attire requirement: The food may be high brow, but you can wear whatever you want.
Booze-availability: There is a full bar and complete wine list. Check out the house infused vodkas for a special kick.