The independent student news organization of Nicholls State University

the nicholls worth

The independent student news organization of Nicholls State University

the nicholls worth

The independent student news organization of Nicholls State University

the nicholls worth

La Casa Del Sol lacks heat

Restaurant Review

La Casa Del Sol, located in the Rienzi Plaza of Thibodaux, has been dishing out Mexican cuisine to a local clientele for many years.Almost every Nicholls student knows about and many have eaten at this infamous establishment or one of its other locations in east and west Houma and Des Allemands. While the name may translate to “the house of the sun,” this restaurant is far from a shining star.

With Taco Bell, a.k.a. “Toxic Hell,” being the only other “Mexican” restaurant, I use that term lightly, in Thibodaux, there is little to compare the food coming out of La Casa’s kitchen against.

While burritos seem to be the most popular item ordered by fellow students I have dined with the mixed plates which come in 10 different choices, offer the most variety. These plates come with different combinations of enchiladas, tamales, tacos and side dishes such as refried beans, Mexican rice or both. Being more of an adventurer, I decided instead to set my focus upon a chile rellenos, a poblano pepper stuffed with a seasoned rice and beef stuffing (much like our stuffed bell peppers) and covered with melted cheeses. While the final product looked good, its flavor lacked something called seasoning. After dining a second time, I set my focus upon one of the mixed plates. My feast consisted of one beef tamale, one beef enchilada and one hard taco plus a side of guacamole. The enchilada was the only piece of the dinner that really excited me.

While growing up in Baton Rouge, I had the pleasure to taste many versions of what restaurants say Mexican cuisine should be. However, I never found a place that truly resembled the foods and flavors of our Southern neighbors that I experienced on my many adventures south of the border.

Like most other ethnic restaurants in the United States, La Casa deviated from authentic to a “bastardized” American version. However, the people of this quaint little town don’t seem to care. “I think it’s wonderful,” Ashley Filardo, English sophomore from Schriever, said. Yet, there are still those who do not consider it to be anything special.

As a culinary major, my life revolves totally around food. This focus has changed my views on food and developed my palette beyond that of non-foodies. I don’t just look at food as a means of filling my stomach or satisfying dietary needs. Instead, I see a mixture of flavors and textures waiting to awaken an underlying feeling in both my mind and body.

Now don’t get me wrong, I enjoy dining at La Casa, especially because of the hot chips and salsa they serve you when you sit down, but I do not find it to be a place where my taste buds scream, “Remember the Alamo!” Instead, they lay dormant waiting to be reawakened by flavors of chilies and spices.

All in all, if you are looking for a place to grab a bite to eat in a relaxing atmosphere, then this is your place. But, if you are looking for something a bit more authentic, try another cuisine.

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La Casa Del Sol lacks heat