Mar 28 2008
Circle V is the place to be
In this week’s issue of The Anna News there’s a column by Ken Gaidziunas about restaurants in Anna. He does a good job of touching on the fine Anna eateries that we all drive by day in and day out as we go about our daily business.
Mr Gaidzunas extols the virtues of My Estrella, Angel Wings, The Malt Shop, Grandys, and the rest — all fine restaurants, to be sure, but one of Anna’s hidden treasures is missing from his list.
I knew there was a little place out on 121 at the edge of town. I had heard people talk about it. I had even met the owner - a charming woman named Mary Valverde. I had not, however, thought to venture out her way — at least until tonight.
The Circle V Country Restaurant played host to KAG’s City Council Candidate Rally where the Valverde family served up an enchilada buffet that was nothing short of fantastic. After only a few bites I was chastising myself for never having been there before.
Each of the several types of enchiladas, the rice, and the phenomenal bean soup were so good they made me want to, as my grandmother was fond of saying, “Jump up and slap my mamma.”*
Looking over the menu I find myself surprised at the variety of cuisine available at Circle V. Their breakfasts include standard American fare such as sausage, eggs, pancakes, and French toast as well as Mexican specialties like chorizo and migas.
Similarly, their lunch and dinner items include a wide cross-cultural variety ranging from grilled cheese sandwiches to fajitas. I’m inclined to try them all.
After dinner or after work you can saddle up to the bar and enjoy an ice cold beer or frosty margarita with friends or peruse the (admittedly somewhat kitsch) items in the country store.
If you’re like me, you may never have ventured out north on 121 to the Valverde family restaurant, but trust me - once you do, your first time won’t be your last.
*Please note: I in no way endorse the slapping of mammas. Or really jumping, for that matter.
Those enchilada’s were so good, I hurt myself. I usually sample the entire variety, then settle on my favorites and go with that. But for the first time in recent history, they were all good; hence my overindulgence.
I’m going back!
Eric
http://ehowton.livejournal.com
I asked Mrs Valverde about all the craft and decorative items. She had a large variety and I thought perhaps they were for sale. She said some were, but her main goal was to make the place homey. She wants her customers to feel comfortable and at home!
It is a great place and Mrs Valverde makes you feel right at home.
I look forward to returning.
Dude! How have we never heard of this? You can bet we will be checking this out. The shortest members of the family have a flour tortilla addicton. And someone was talking about a BBQ place in Van Alstyne. Anyone know the name?
Thanks for the great tip! We LOVE to eat local.
The name of the BBQ place in Van Alstyne is “The Rib Joint”. It is right on the square. The food there is really good as well.
Mrs. Valverde was wonderful to host us and she truly wants you to leave happy, whatever that may mean. For instance at the KAG event I very quietly asked her if I could get an enchilada with no cheese. She quickly ran off and had one made for me, and as she brought it to me, she asked what else she could get for me and how else could she help me. When I told her that was it, she was a bit taken back, but smiled sweetly and left me to eat. The salsa was AWESOME too!
We saw the article and went last night (5th July). We’ll be going back soon. We had enchilladas and they were very good - also they make a good margarita too. They have a live band and they were the best I’ve heard in this whole area. Real good old-time country music. The owner (think his name Jesse) told me they play 1st and 3rd Sat every month. They are worth the trip to hear.
If you are a bbq fan, there is a good one in Sherman too. It’s called Cackle & Oink!! lol. Funny name, but good bbq.
I LOVE Cackle & Oink!! The rib joint in Van Alstyne is okay, but sometimes tastes like the food has been sitting around on the buffet a little too long. At C & O, you can watch the owner slice your meal fresh everytime. The staff is very attentive and friendly and (if I still have room) their buttermilk pie ROCKS!!!
Just visited Circle V and was very disappointed. The owner has started doing karaoke on weekends, replacing our favorite band. A real shame because live music beats karaoke any day.
Went to Circle V and they have one live band - not as good as the one that used to play here. Too bad because I heard they are doing karioke insted of the live band that used play here.