Sometimes, things just aren't what they seem.

[EatinAintCheatin]

In our quest to NOT eat at chains while evacuated in Jackson, Ms. We ventured a little further north of Jackson (Ridgeland) and landed at a Mexican place called El Portrillo. Very clean with an extensive menu "a la Casa Garcia." Our waitress immediately recognized that we were not locals and questioned where we were from. The fun then started. First, a round of Margaritas on the house "to ease the stress." Then, she brought a bowl of quesa to go with our chips and salsa. I had tamales, enchiladas and a taco. My wife had a taco, tostida and an enchilada. All was fresh and good. Not great, but very good.

Our waitress then offered to "put us up in her house." Of course, we declined since we had a decent room. Her twang and typical Mississippi mannerisms led me to.....well you know...(I'm really trying to overcome my biases).

But to my surprise, she's an ER RN who just "helps her mother-in-law at their restaurant.

At the end of the dinner, mother-in-law brought a couple very nice shots of tequila to "settle the rest of our nerves." Again, "on the house."

A GREAT experience. So much so that we went back yesterday for lunch.

[bam bam]

Where is this place located? I am headed home tomorrow. Would love to stop as I make my way down I-55.

[Schuarta]

Where is this place located? I am headed home tomorrow. Would love to stop as I make my way down I-55.

El Portillo Mexican Restaurant
1390 W Government St
Brandon, MS 39042

(601) 591-1314‎

http://www.google.com/mapdata?CxX4m-wBHc2HovogDwxAjgJIuQFSAnVzkAEDygECZW4 (http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&resnum=0&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=El+Portillo,+Ridgeland,+MS&fb=1&cid=0,0,13623365960717458040&sa=X&oi=local_result&resnum=1&ct=image)

[EatinAintCheatin]

Where is this place located? I am headed home tomorrow. Would love to stop as I make my way down I-55.

Sorry for the late reply. Use Google maps and search for: el potrillo ridgeland ms.

or try:

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=el+potrillo+ridgeland+ms&ie=UTF8&cd=1&ll=32.466178,-90.135098&spn=0.032587,0.087891&z=14

It's off of exit 108 on the east side of I-55. It's in a large shopping area. The owner "mother-in-law" is actually from Chile. Her son married a local Jackson girl.

I noticed that there are 3 places with that name in the Jackson area. Don't know if they're the same. So the chain thing may be on. But I still had a good time and meal there.

[Schuarta]

Sorry, research error, very similar name, "r" on both sides if the "t":

El Potrillo Mexican Restaurant Grill & Cantina Inc‎ (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=el+potrillo+ridgeland+ms&ie=UTF8&cd=1&latlng=32467817,-90131999,1013953132798850235&ei=cg3ASOycAoemigG8mtikBg) - more info » (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=el+potrillo+ridgeland+ms&ie=UTF8&cd=1&latlng=32467817,-90131999,1013953132798850235&ei=cg3ASOycAoemigG8mtikBg)
123 Grandview Dr, Madison, MS - (601) 605-9320‎

[EatinAintCheatin]

Bam Bam,

Did you get over to El Potrillo on your way back?

[bam bam]

Yes I did. I completely agree with your assessment. Although, I have stopped at that exit many times in my life and generally find it to be a clusterf-ck.

[TulaneRebel]

I prefer La Cazuela on Fornication Street...er Fortification Street.