Dishing with Ellen Prince from La Paz in Mountain Brook

Dishing with Ellen Prince from La Paz in Mountain Brook

By Special to The Birmingham News

January 15, 2010, 2:53PM

Ellen Prince from La Paz in Mountain Brook (Special/Lynn Grisard Fullman)

Ellen Prince, General Manager  
La Paz, 99 Euclid Ave., Mountain Brook,
879-2225, www.lapazbham.com

Restaurant's specialty:
Mexican/Southwestern.
 
What sets this restaurant apart from others?
We continually try to offer great food in a fun and relaxed atmosphere while making people feel at home in our restaurant.
 
How long has the restaurant been open?
 18 years.

Honors: 
In a Birmingham News survey, the restaurant was named the city's Best Mexican Restaurant.

What's new?
We have brought back some old favorites to our menu and are adding some new, more authentic dishes. We also have added some drink specials. Tuesday is wine night; Wednesday, margarita night and Thursday, pint night.

Job you'd have if not a chef:
I wish I were a trained chef. I would truly love to have more of an understanding and appreciation of flavor pairings.

Who inspired your love for cooking?
 My mother, who had me in the kitchen cooking as soon as I could stir with a big spoon.

Your mentor:
 My friends -- many of whom are in the restaurant business -- have been my mentors.

Best advice you were ever given:
 Be picky. If it doesn't look or taste right then it does not get served.

Restaurant-related thing you're proudest of:
Every time that someone smiles when leaving the restaurant.

Favorite food to prepare:
I love spicy and flavorful food.

What would you choose for your final meal?
 Lamb with roast potatoes and mint jelly. Lamb is also my favorite taco with fresh cilantro, onion and avocado salsa.

Favorite restaurant other than La Paz:
Dos Caminos in New York.

Chef you most admire:
Locally, we are blessed to have so many great chefs. Beyond this area, it would have to be Curtis Stone.

Favorite spice:
Any of the many peppers.

Favorite herb:
Rosemary.

Do you cook at home?
 Only when I have parties.

Strangest occurrence in your restaurant's dining room:
Power failures are always fun.

Food/restaurant-related pet peeve:
A staff that doesn't smile or look at you when they are talking to you.

Where will you be in 10 years?
 Introducing La Paz to new customers in cities where we currently are not located.

Final thoughts:
Even after all these years, I feel that La Paz is still a work-in-progress and that we have so many things to share with everyone.
 
Have a chef or cook to suggest? E-mail Lynn Grisard Fullman at LGFullman@aol.com.