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As I drive to the airport, I wonder where the years have gone. I am on my way to pick up my daughter Bailey. She is returning from Concordia College in Minnesota where she has been for the last two weeks at a Spanish immersion camp. This is her second year attending.
As I walk to her terminal, I wonder will she look different? Did she miss me? Duh, did she learn any Spanish? When I finally see her we eagerly exchange hugs and smiles. “I missed you”, I say. “I missed you too Dad”, she says.
“So, how was your Spanish camp”, I ask. “Awesome”, she said. “Cool”, I retort. “Have you had lunch”, I query. “Tengo mucha hambre”, she says confidently. “What about Casa Fiesta”? I say. “Perfecto”, Bailey says. This was the perfect choice….as always.
Since Bailey was about six or seven, we have gone to Casa Fiesta for special occasions or just to spend quality time together. Casa Fiesta is located in a yellow colored restaurant on Bell Road near Interstate 24. A deck wraps around the front and side of the restaurant. It is usually populated with people engaged in festive conversation, usually over an ice cold Negra Modelo.
When we arrive, restaurant is bustling as usual with people engaged in laugher and frivolity. ¿Hola, que tal? the host pleasantly greets us. “Bien, y tu”? Bailey retorts. “Dos por favor”, she continues. “You are doing great”, I say. She smiles. The host escorts us to our booth. As we wait on our server, Bailey mentions that Casa Fiesta reminds her of a quaint Mexican restaurant we visited on our last trip to Mexico.
The interior is decorated in rich woods, terra cotta colored walls with dark blue trim. The floor and walls are accented with decorative Mexican tiles. Pictures of Zapata and the flags of the United States and Mexico decorate the walls.
When the waiter arrives, as usual, I order the Chicken Fajitas and Bailey orders the Taquitos Mexicanos. The Chicken Fajitas are mouth watering!! They are always moist, succulent and perfectly seasoned. The chicken is sautéed with tomatoes, onion and green peppers. They are served with refried beans and rice. In addition, warm, soft tortillas complement the meal.
The Taquitos Mexicanos are deep fried golden corn tortillas stuffed with shredded chicken that is seasoned to perfection with tomatoes, onions and topped with shredded cheese. They are served on a mound of lettuce topped with sour cream, guacamole and pico de gallo…delicioso!!!
Bailey eagerly tells me about the camp. As we talk, we snack on the warm tortilla chips and chunky, mildly spicy salsa. The sizzling, popping sound of my Chicken Fajitas with their amazing rich aroma alerted us to the arrival of our meal. Without a doubt, Casa Fiesta has the best Chicken Fajitas and Taquitos Mexicanos in Nashville. I will only eat these two Mexican favorites at Casa Fiesta. As usual, this meal did not disappoint!!
For years, it has always been our tradition of ending our meal by sharing Casa Fiesta’s signature Helado Frito (fried ice cream). It’s a large ball of fried ice cream topped with whipped cream, drizzled chocolate and large pieces of fried flour tortillas coated with cinnamon and sugar.
As I look at my daughter, I no longer see a young dependent little girl. I now see a smart, poised and articulate young lady. “I missed you Bailey”, I say. “I missed you too dad”, she replies. “You know Dad, I had a great time, but There’s No Place Like Home”, Bailey says.
As we finish our meal, I think of all the great meals and memories Bailey and I have shared at Casa Fiesta. I realize my little girl is no longer a little girl, but I hope she will always be my little girl.
Written by Ando Probando
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