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 From
time to time, my spouse and I enjoy trying a variety of ethnic meals at
local restaurants. This time we decided to try the “new kid on the
block”; Santiago’s Mexican Restaurant and Gift Shop, which has been open
for just over one year.
Santiago’s is located in the base of the Citrus Tower, a very popular
Central Florida attraction in the nearby town of Clermont. After
taking-in a spectacular view of the surrounding areas rolling hills,
citrus groves and lakes, you can visit the gift shop and enjoy a very
pleasant lunch or dinner
 on the
ground floor of the Tower.
The
restaurant offers quite an extensive menu of Mexican fare, from
appetizers such as Shrimp Empanadas (shrimp stuffed with crab for
$5.95), favorite duos and trios, such as an order of three tacos, or two
Tostadas for about $5.
Vegetarians have several selections from which to choose, and there are
about seven items for kids under 10 for $3.95. One unique item is a
peanut butter and jelly “Burrito” with fries and a drink, for the kids
who aren’t quite ready to cross cultures. But there are several other
Mexican dishes for kids, as well as hamburgers and hot dogs.
There
are over 20 luncheon specials served from 11 AM –3:30 PM @ $5.50 each,
including “San Juan”, which is Chimichanga served with Spanish rice and
beans, or “Los Hongos”, which is a mushroom Quesadilla with Guacamole
salad. A favorite is “Los Angeles”, which is a grilled chicken sandwich
with lettuce and tomato and fries.
Chicken, steaks and hamburgers are also on the adult menu, as well as a
wide variety of Mexican dishes. Santiago’s seems to try to please every
palate by offering pork, chicken, beef, and cheese items, fixed about
every way imaginable – Mexican style.
When
we first arrived, even before our beverage order was taken, a basket of
warm chips and
 mild
salsa arrived on the table, along with the water. The service was very
prompt and courteous, and since we are not too familiar with Mexican
food, our server patiently explained some of the dishes to us. We both
chose combo platters at $7.50 each. Diners may select chicken, cheese or
beef fillings, so we decided on one taco and one Quesadilla, with beef
filling in one of them and chicken filling in the other. Our order came
with Spanish rice and Mexican corn. We were very pleased and everything
was displayed nicely, and it was served on very hot plates. It was all
so delicious, that we even decided to splurge and try their Fried Ice
Cream dessert, called Nieve Quemada at $3.50.
Every
item on the menu is listed by its Mexican name, but it’s explained fully
in English as well. We found all of the prices to be very reasonable and
the portions plentiful .
Santiago’s is family-owned and operated. There is a Mariachi band that
plays on the second Wednesday of each month, and they offer more live
music on Friday and Saturday nights. They also offer a 15% discount for
seniors.
There
is a separate bar for wine, beer and liquor, and they’re open Mon-Thurs.
from 11 AM to 9 PM, and 11 AM to 10 PM on Friday and Saturday. But they
do take a Siesta - they’re closed on Sunday.
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