"Yay for Ernesto's in Valdez! Was a little skeptical because of the low reviews for Ernesto's in Anchorage, but this place measured up to decent tex mex! Came here for lunch with a comrade in arms against corrosion, basically a coworker/friend. The door was opened for us and we entered a delightfully decorated little Mexican restaurant that has a lot of reds, fake brick, and nice wooden bar. The space is small, but well used with a view of the kitchen through food-passing-window. Upon entering and sitting we were greeted and chip and salsa'd. Little darker corn chips, and had to ask for hot salsa as they only gave mild. We had received menus when the cook came out and told us in his second-language-is-english way the daily special which was carne asade with choice of beef or chicken, with rice and beans, and choice of corn or flour tortilla. Yes please! We both ordered that, he the beef and me the chicken.. What came out was surprisingly good. The rice and beans were so-so, but the meat was perfectly cooked and so was the onion and garlic. There was even grilled cactus. Our server was young and attentive, and when asked how things were I would sing praises in of the food operatically, in time with the ethnic Mexican music piping through the speakers. Both dishes came to $23, and we drank water. The cook was excited and came out a couple times to ask how it was, and even ran to get a hot chili sauce he made when he asked if I like spicy. Food was good, but the experience was great. Good times, or I mean ole'!"
