We discovered El Nopal Restaurant in Oakland, Tennessee one Saturday during our extensive search for the Perfect lot to build on. We had explored every possible option in Shelby County (trust me, we really did), then started migrating over the county line. One day we changed course and went out Collierville to Rossville then Moscow then Piperton. All these areas are seeing impressive growth, but they just weren't what we were looking for. We wound up back on Hwy 64 at lunch time and in need of a margarita. And That is how we discovered El Nopal. Had we come the other way on 64, we would have stopped at La Hacienda, and that would have been that. Honestly, I don't think we would have ever gone to El Nopal. What a loss that would have been!
But, as in many instances, Fate intervened, and we discovered El Nopal, their marvelous margaritas and their delicious food. Try the El Nopal dip, the Tacos al Carbon, any enchilada combo, or anything with their delicious chicken. And by all means, have a frozen margarita. Salt optional.
Don't think you can go to the El Nopal on Forest Hill Irene and get the same fare. It is not the same.
Sunday is our favorite day to go to El Nopal. It has become a little tradition. On Sundays at 6pm the mariachis start playing. Sometimes there are three musicians, sometimes four. My old friend Domingo from Gonzales and Gertrudes plays guitar and sings. They play Mexican folk songs, the Mex-American stand-bye's, eg La Bamba, Feliz Navidad, Celito Lindo (the Ay-Ya-Ya-Ya song), and the Spanish version of American songs (you'll recognize them).
Did you ever notice how much Mexicans love kids? It is one of the most endearing things about Mexican culture. They are all so nice to our kids. The young waiters are never too macho to play with your kid, and it is so charming to see them melt over a baby.
As a final note, La Hacienda has also served us well. They are open a little later sometimes (and we can be night owls). Their food is quite good, including margaritas.
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