By Ty Walker, The Mountain Times
Chicali Cantina owner Robin Parker said she finds inspiration for her high-end Mexican restaurant in her travels. She has explored the Southwestern United States and Mexico to get new perspectives and new ideas for Chicali’s all-gourmet menu.
As she looked forward to taking a trip to Arizona this winter, Robin talked about some of the seasonal changes she has made to keep things fresh at her restaurant, where everything is made from scratch. Infusing her business with new ideas may be part of the reason business at Chicali has increased every year since opening four years ago in Welches.
Originally from Los Angeles, Robin has lived in Oregon for more than three decades, moving to the mountain with her family nine years ago. She runs the restaurant with her husband and Chicali co-owner David Parker.
Her travels have taken her to Southern California and Baja California, Mexico. Chicali Cantina serves cuisine from the Baja California Peninsula with Southern California influence. (“Chicali” is a shortened nickname for Mexicali, the capital city of Baja California, Mexico.)
“I try to change the menu for fall and summer,” Parker said. “I’ll swap new items around. I have more soups on right now. In the summertime, I’ll change out the salads and bring some new salads in.”
Chicken chile verde tortilla soup is a big hit with customers this season. Of course, everybody wants these timeless dishes on the regular menu: quesa birria taco (braised beef), surf and turf burrito, and carne asada.
Returning this summer by popular demand will be the grilled romaine Caesar salad. A papaya avocado salad will also be added to the list.
Like the food, Robin has made changes to Chicali’s decor, keeping it fresh and new. The spacious 3,000-square-foot restaurant seats 150, including a full bar, and has a heated patio with fireplace.
“We have new couches, redid the patio tables outside that were custom designed and made for us,” Robin said. “I’m constantly keeping everything new and fresh.”
Robin gives credit to her 18 employees, especially her cooks, Evelia and Pablo. Evelia Torres specializes in sauces and salsas. Pablo Saldavar, who makes great chile rellenos and homemade chips, sets up and opens the restaurant every day.
Robin got her start in a catering business 30 years ago. She then began a career in restaurant consulting and menu development. She and David have been married 36 years and have two grown daughters, who also live on the mountain.
Chicali Cantina is located in the Hoodland Shopping Center at 68256 U.S. Highway 26, Welches. Hours are Wednesday and Thursday 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and closed Monday and Tuesday.
For more information about Robin Parker’s restaurant, see www.chicalicantina.com.