We recently visited the Tortilla Factory at 203 W. 2nd Street – just across from the Aquarium. When we entered the only other people there were two or three sitting at the bar. After we were seated one other couple and a family of four arrived.

Something I never understand . . . when a restaurant is totally empty, why do they insist on putting you at one of those little, tiny tables with room for two plates? When your food arrives, part of it is on a large plate and they serve your beans and rice on a separate one – then with your chips and salsa, there’s absolutely no room. With no one else there, it wasn’t likely there was going to be a run on booths – or even the larger tables.

Anyway – on with the review. They mix their chips with the blue chips – and this time they were much better than on our last visit. In fact, on this visit, I thought the blue chips were better than the regular ones. The salsa is on the chunky side – which we prefer – but they do not serve it “hot”. If you want it any hotter, you must use the Habanera Sauce from the bottle on the table. No Tomatillo Sauce. . .

I decided to order the Lulu Grande (again), while Wayne ordered the Roberto’s (again). I really like the Tamales at the Tortilla Factory. They are wrapped in cornhusks and they do not cover them with the chili sauce. A lot of restaurants pour on so much chili sauce that it takes away from the Tamale taste – in fact, it completely buries the taste.

The Lulu Grande is served with a Taco, Chalupa, Cheese Enchilada and the Tamale. Wayne’s Roberto’s is exactly the same except instead of the Chalupa, it has a Burrito. We both always try to eat the Taco first because it doesn’t seem to “last” long. If you eat anything else first, the bottom of the Taco is soaked through, making it soft and inedible. This time when I picked up the Taco, one complete side fell off. There’s just got to be a better way.

The lettuce and tomato always seems to be fresh and the Guacamole is quite good. I really like the Chalupa because it seems to stay crisp and they are generous with the Guacamole.

We both enjoyed our food at the Tortilla Factory, other than the beans and rice which were quite dry (especially the rice). The beans appeared to be “nuked” since they were dried around the edges and adhered to the plate – but the delicious Tamale made up for that.

If you’re in the mood for Tex-Mex when you’re in the downtown area, the Tortilla Factory will fill the bill – and you will find the Tortilla Factory in the 2004 Adventures Coupon Book!

There is also the Roof Bar where you can enjoy food and drink. And – speaking of drink – they have quite an impressive list of Margaritas.

Hours for the Tortilla Factory are Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. - except for Friday and Saturday, when they close at Midnight.

GET YOUR ADVENTURES COUPON BOOK ORDERS IN. We have our new supply of 2004 books – what a great gift - terrific for Christmas, Chanukah, anniversaries, weddings, birthdays, or any special occasion. ORDER NOW!! Go to www.ChattanoogaDineOut.com and click to the right of any restaurant where it says you can save money! It will take you to an ad with a complete list of coupons. Same day shipping.

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