Ricardo Barraza is living the American dream. When he first moved from Parras, Mexico, to the United States at age 17, Barraza washed dishes at a Mexican restaurant to earn a living. Eleven years later, he is opening his second restaurant, Caliente Mexican Craving, with his wife Jessica and chef Raul Arenas. Though Caliente had its soft opening over the last two weeks, today marks the official grand opening. Caliente features modern meals like Mexican Eggrolls and Caliente Kabobs but uses traditional Mexican ingredients and flavors. “We keep a lot of traditional meals,” Ricardo Barraza said, “but at the same time, we try to make a little change.” The first Caliente opened in Central, La., four years ago, and the couple expects even better business on West Lee Drive. “We have the college students, of course, and the families,” Jessica Barraza said. “We build to appeal to both of them. Our prices are reasonable.” The most expensive items on the lunch menu are the shrimp taco salad and the lunch combo for $8 each. The $5 chicken tortilla soup contains a mix of chicken broth, flavorful spices and chunks of chicken topped with slices of fresh avocado, tortilla strips and cheese. A scoop of pico de gallo is served on the side, and mixed in the soup, it adds a sweet taste to the roasted, warm flavor of the base. The location on West Lee Drive has seen a number of businesses come and go. The couple said restaurants like Portabello’s were too expensive for college students, and families did not visit bars like The Blind Tiger. Because of cheaper prices and a smaller bar, the Barrazas believe Caliente will succeed where past establishments failed. The restaurant features an inside and outside bar with top shelf margaritas, brightly colored walls and many windows. The Barrazas said they plan to book live bands on the weekends, stay open after University football games and offer a brunch and tailgating menu.
 
—- Contact Danielle Kelley at [email protected].