Cece's Restaurant, Hwy 100, Port Isabel, TX

Two years ago when Cece Zamora opened Cece's Mexican and Seafood Restaurant on Hwy 100 (in shopping center behind Church's Chicken), she gave Port Isabel residents and visitors another great choice of good food.

Zamora built her business on her mother's recipes.She offers all the basics. Customers rave about her home-made biscuits and gravy, huge pancakes, fajitas and Mexican plate. To this she adds special recipes and offers daily specials.

On our first visit, I ordered the Mexican plate, which offers a chalupa, taco, enchilada, rice and beans. It was an excellent choice. I definitely fell in love with the chalupa.The crispy, thick corn tortillla enabled me to pick it up in my hands. It didn't fall apart. Add to that tasty beans and meat, fresh green lettuce and ripe red tomatoes, and I had a delicious chalupa.

Everett ordered his usual favorite Mexican meal, the carne guisada. He liked both the lean meat and the seasoned gravy. From the chips and salsa, the soups and our entres, to the cleanliness and friendly service, we enjoyed our dining experience.

We usually do not eat out for breakfast but I had to try the biscuits and gravy, so we visited again. Our $1.99 order included one biscuit split and covered with sausage gravy.Light, huge and buttery, the one biscuit proved to be more food than many restaurants offer in two biscuits.

When I grumbled at myself for overeating, Zamora told me she offers a la carte options for those of us who need smaller portions. That services earns lots of good will among those of us who like to eat out often, but not suffer the consequences of overeating. It also made visions of single chalupas dance in my brain.

Cece's is open Tuesday-Thursday 7:00am-3:00pm; Friday-Saturday 7:00am-8:00pm; Sunday 7:00am-2:00pm. She's experimenting with extended hours so check if you're around at other times.

"I grew up working in my mother's restaurant," Zamora said. "With a loan from a local business man who believed in me, the support of my family, and a lot of hard work, I'm living my dream."

I recommend that when you're in town, you treat yourself to Cece's and enjoy a good meal and a pleasant, friendly atmosphere.