Family opens Mexican eatery in Liberty

Staff report

LIBERTY

Casa Ramirez, a Mexican restaurant and cantina, has opened at the Quality Inn, 4055 Belmont Ave.

It’s operated by Carlos and Celerina Ramirez and their son, Carlos A. Ramirez, who also own Casa Ramirez Mexican restaurant, 1578 Mahoning Ave.

“We make it as you order. Nothing is pre-made,” said the younger Ramirez about what sets both restaurants apart from others.

“It’s all homemade.”

He said he learned to cook at the “school of Ramirez,” that is, from his parents. He will handle much of the cooking duties at the Belmont Avenue restaurant while his mother is at the Mahoning Avenue location.

The older Ramirez said the family “wanted to try to expand a bit.” He noted that the Belmont location is a high-traffic area because of the hotel guests, surrounding businesses and Interstate 80.

He opened the Mahoning Avenue restaurant in 1992. The older Ramirez came to the United States in 1968 from Michoacan, Mexico.

The Ramirezes said one of the best-known dishes is Mole Poblano, a chicken recipe with a spicy sauce. “It’s a combination of Indian, Spanish and French cuisine,” said the elder Ramirez.

Other specialties include:

Diablo dinner with chicken, steak or shrimp in a Mexican hot sauce.

Enfrijoladas, corn tortillas filled with Mexican cheese along with beans, chorizo, sliced avocados, onions and lettuce.

Pollo en Salsa Verde, strips of grilled chicken topped with green sauce.

The restaurant also serves fish tacos and a variety of vegetarian dishes.

Hours for Casa Ramirez are from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and from noon to 9 p.m. Sundays.