Casa Corazon: Made with love

Rich in flavor and history, Casa Corazon is a place where people gather to experience authentic Mexican food.

Owner Javier Verdugo said the recipes are inspired from the flavorful dishes he enjoyed when visiting south Mexico.

For someone visiting for the first time, Verdugo recommends they try the camarones culichi, topped with a poblano sauce and cheese.

Verdugo said his favorite dish on the menu is cochinita pibil, which is roasted overnight and wrapped in a banana leaf. He said the long process is what makes it so flavorful.

“The most important things happen in the kitchen,” Verdugo said. “The heart of the house is the kitchen.”

Originally built in the 1930s, Verdugo said he, alongside his son, remodeled the house into what it is today. Guests can expect a warm and inviting atmosphere to enjoy their relaxing lunch. When the sun goes down, he said dinner guests can expect a more romantic atmosphere, fit for couples.

Guest Kelli Donley Williams said the fresh food and service keeps her coming back for more. Williams usually starts off her visit with the salsa bar alongside a big platter of chips and their bean dip.

For an entree, Williams enjoys the mole negro, which comes with a side of rice and pickled red onions. She said it is a perfect mix between sweet and savory. The dish also comes with fresh, homemade flour or corn tortillas.

To accompany her meal, Williams said she tried the bubbly and fresh Topo Chico lemonade.

No meal is complete without dessert. To finish off her visit, Williams had a slice of the hibiscus cheesecake, which she said was unlike anything she has ever had.

Williams’ pro tip: Take advantage of the $4 tacos during happy hour.