He Walks Among Us

Fantastic fajitas: I agree with many of the statements about Santos, The Taste of Mexico -- the margaritas are outstanding, and the enchiladas are delicious ["Chipinque Cuisine," by Robb Walsh, November 30]. However, I wholeheartedly disagree with your assessment of the chicken fajitas. The meat is not standing in a "pool of water," but rather in awesome peppery gravy that makes the fajitas to-die-for. (I thought a food critic would know the difference between water and gravy.) My husband and I eat at Santos at least three or four times a month and rarely order anything besides those chicken fajitas. We have never tasted any better, and we have tried many throughout Houston. Furthermore, the service at Santos is second to none. We have always been extremely well-attended to by each and every staff member. The chips and salsas are always plentiful, the tea glasses are never empty, and the service comes with a smile and a welcoming handshake. If your readers are looking for a great meal at a fair price, do what we do, and make Santos a weekly habit...You won't regret it.

Man, that was mean! After eating at different places around the world, generally when I go to a restaurant I really don't care what the name of the food on the menu is called, as long as the food and drinks are great, the place is clean and the service is prompt. Santos provides all three. So what if they got creative with the food names? It's still a very fine dining establishment on the west side of town, as well as a family-oriented place that is not overpriced. I have met the Santoses on several occasions, and they are very nice people who do not deserve the negative aspects of your review. So what if they got creative? It seems like you did also, by spelling Rob with 2 b's!

E. White
Houston

An off day: I read your article on Santos, and I couldn't disagree more. I have had the mixed mesquite grill many times, and never have I had the experience you had. The meat is always delicious, and this particular item is one of my favorites on the menu. Also, you failed to mention that a mesquite grill for two will likely feed four people. The portions are huge, and the meat tender and juicy. I'm sure any item on a menu can have an off day, and it sounds to me like that's what happened in your case.

I say, give this menu item another chance, and I doubt you'll be disappointed.

Chad Helmcamp
Houston

Forgetting the food: After reading your review of Santos the Taste of Mexico this morning, I find myself asking, what exactly do the names of the dishes on the menu have to do with the quality, value and taste of the food? I'm sorry, but it just struck me as more "inside the loop we're hipper than the rest of the world" garbage.

Perhaps you just needed to fill space and rather than actually delve into the food offerings, it was easier to look for cheap shots.

I will take exception to your comments regarding the Santos; I've had it a number of times and would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys grilled meats and in abundance. It is delicious and more food than two good little eaters can handle.

I was also disappointed that you missed some of Santos's great points. There was nothing about their exemplary tamales, with a truly outstanding chili gravy that features brisket instead of hamburger; the tacos musicos; chopped carnitas studded with fresh jalapeños, which are delightful; and the great chicken soup. You missed the mark on Santos's carnitas. I believe I've had carnitas in about a zillion different places around Houston, and I can't find a thing wrong with what Santos delivers. Maybe you should stick to the taquerías, as apparently a Mexican restaurant that aspires to serve higher-quality ingredients doesn't appeal to you. I can only hope the readers of the Houston Press will take the time and reach their own conclusions about Santos.

Walter Hammock
Katy