The return of a Mexican favorite

Nearly 4,000 displaced customers endured 21 days in July without one

of their favorite Newport Boulevard eateries, El Matador. That’s how

many people grabbed fliers, peeked in windows and inquired about when

the beloved Mexican restaurant would reopen, owner Greg McConaughy

said.

After nearly 40 years, El Matador was shut down earlier this

summer following a nasty family dispute that left the restaurant in

the hands of county officials. Now, thanks to McConaughy and El

Matador’s loyal staff, El Matador is back.

That means the restaurant is again serving perennial favorites

such as crab enchiladas with ranchero sauce and tender, perfectly

seasoned fajitas a la Mexicana -- strips of beef, chicken or pork

with julienne bell peppers and onions served with avocado relish,

rice, beans and tortillas.

Best of all, even under new ownership, El Matador is its same

lovable self. The funky decor features the same colorful pinatas,

sombreros, strands of red and white lights, bright pink walls,

turquoise green ceiling and small red leather booths.

“The general consensus from loyal customers is simple: Don’t

change a thing!” said McConaughy who paid $535,000 in June to buy the

restaurant.

The only menu modification? Price cuts on a few of the children’s

items.

“We have a great staff and everyone stayed with us,” McConaughy

said. “Chef Tony Herrera has worked here 18 years.”

The history of El Matador was relatively uneventful until 2004.

Marcial Gallardo, an immigrant from Zacatecas, Mexico, opened El

Matador in 1966. The restaurant was a hit -- a casual family-friendly

spot that served consistently good Mexican food with friendly service

and drinks.

After Gallardo died in 2003, his sons took over the business. But

a family feud forced the county to take control of El Matador in

2004, and the county sold it at auction in May. McConaughy, a

resident of Corona del Mar and a veteran restaurateur, became the

owner in June after the first two bidders backed out.

The oversized three-page menu has everything you’d want at a

Mexican restaurant -- guacamole, soups, Mexican combination plates,

enchiladas, burritos, taquitos, tostadas, sopas, salads, poultry and

seafood.

Mexican breakfast is served all day, including the hangover cure

menudo ($5.95) -- a hearty soup made with tripe, calf’s feet, red

chiles, hominy and spices -- and steak and eggs ($8.95). Those who

inexplicably have to order cheeseburgers and French fries at a

Mexican restaurant will not be disappointed.

Appetizers cost $5.85 to $9.95. Mexican combinations cost $8.95 to

$15.95.

Highly recommended are the grilled shrimp soft shell tacos with

liberal slices of avocado, tomatoes and sour cream; the grilled

chicken soft shell tacos with pinto beans, guacamole and cilantro;

and tacos al pastor -- your choice of top sirloin steak, chicken or

pork in two delicious tacos with choice of refried or pinto beans and

guacamole.

Fresh tortilla chips and one of the best homemade salsas in town

come with all meals. You’ll never leave here hungry.

There’s a full bar, offering six varieties of fruit margaritas

($5) and four specialty margaritas. Try the millionaire Grand Marnier

Centenaire margarita ($14.95), or the billionaire Grand Marnier

Cinquantenaire margarita ($19.95), both with your choice of premium

tequilas: Jose Cuervo Tradicional, Don Julio Silver, Patron Silver,

Tequila Nacional or Milagro Silver.

IF YOU GO

* WHAT: El Matador

* WHERE: 1768 Newport Blvd., Costa Mesa.

* WHEN: Open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11

a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.

* INFO: (949) 645-0324.