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Eatery Touts Mexican Flavors

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By CARL ORTH

The Suncoast News

Published: October 12, 2008

TRINITY - The economy hasn't exactly been too kind to restaurants lately, as people have been eating out less often.

Nonetheless, the husband and wife owners of Carmelita's Mexican Restaurant, Jose and Karla Salazar, believed so strongly in the brand, they opened the Trinity-area diner several months ago at 8526 Old County Road 54.

It's the only independent restaurant in the area with authentic Mexican food and surroundings. The servers wear long, flowing Mexican-style dresses and garb. Even the ashtray outside is shaped like a cactus.

Pinellas County residents are familiar with Carmelita's, which opened its first location in 1983 under founders Vincent and Carmen Lopez and expanded to four Pinellas locations. Jose had been working at one of the Pinellas restaurants, but he figured southwestern Pasco County would be a natural place for the fifth location.

The chain prides itself on a "family-friendly atmosphere," as the Web site, www.carmel itas.net, says.

The Salazars uphold the tradition. They work alongside the staff of about a dozen workers.

Jose comes through the front door lugging a heavy container of a fresh batch of tortillas. Karla often greets guests or writes the daily lunch and dinner specials on the outdoor sign.

The restaurant features birthday specials and "Kids Eat Free Mondays."

"It's a challenging time, but if you believe in your product, you'll do fine," Jose said.

Everything is made from scratch, he said about the extensive lunch and dinner menus.

He is quality-conscious, arranging for three to four deliveries per week of many ingredients. Jose picked up a shipment of tortillas himself.

He and Karla bring out a sample of combination platter 34, the Durango special. It includes a homemade tamale, cheese with ground beef, enchilada and a beef taco.

All-you-can-eat Taco Tuesdays is sure to attract diners, too.

Other customer favorites include chicken enchiladas and the Del Rey burrito, as the Web site says. "Our celebrated chips and salsa leave you wanting more. To wash it all down, try our tasty homemade Sangria." Several beers and margaritas are served, too.

More than 40 choices in all appear on the menus, which are posted on the Web site. The food has garnered many awards the past quarter century.

Open seven days a week, the restaurant here can seat up to about 130 people. With temperatures moderating this fall, some people prefer the outdoor, cafe-style dining on the shaded sidewalk in front of the restaurant.

For information, call (727) 376-4800.

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