Carnitas Express is a family owned and operated restaurant group that provides a complete menu of popular Mexican entrees, a homemade salsa bar, as well as American classics including salads, sandwiches, burgers, and breakfast served all day. 

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The first Menifee location opened in July 1997 which was initially a simple taco shop. It became a mission between the brother and sister team Armando and Eva who migrated from Mexico to Texas in the 90’s where Eva worked as a waitress. It was always her dream to open a community driven restaurant in California and they moved here and made that dream come true. 

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Their original vision has grown massively having expanded from 1200 to 4800 square feet and from 2 to 50 employees since the inception. Doro Duran came into the picture in 1999 after meeting and falling in love with Eva. They eventually got married and after working with TGIFridays as a valued employee for 20 years, he departed in 2005 to join forces with the Carnitas Express. They bought a location in the OC’s coveted city of Brea and shortly thereafter purchased a Carnitas Express on Los Alamos and Hancock in Murrieta and it basically turned it into an overnight success. When the economy tanked in 2009, Doro knew that they would be closing the Orange County location and they ended up taking over the vacated Giovanni’s location in Murrieta and they have been going strong ever since. Four years ago, they opened a new concept restaurant called VIP’s Café in Lake Elsinore. This is more of a coffee shop—“a cross between Mimi’s Café and IHOP”. They serve crepes, waffles, fresh berries and all kinds of breakfast items and a variety filled lunch menu.

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While Brother Armando manages the behind scenes operation, Doro and Eva run the daily operations at all four locations and are doing a remarkable job. They are dedicated to keeping the quality of the food at a very high standard which explains the great success of a 95% repeat customer rate. Everything is house made with some of the family recipes being passed down such as the Chili Verde, salsas and enchilada sauce. The Menudo is extremely popular and available every day of the week, other restaurants only serve it on the weekends.

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Most Sun City residents that enjoy Mexican food have more than likely already been to Carnitas Express. If you haven’t, you need to get in or at least order take-out. While the décor is very simple and understated, the backstory and complexity of the food is very interesting and impressive. The wait staff team leader Nancy was our server, her and the rest of the girls are hardworking and very friendly.

After completing my interview with Doro about the backstory of Carnitas Express, I looked forward to trying one of his signature cocktails, “Doro’s 26oz Supreme Margarita”! I chose the Supreme Don Julio, with “DJ” 100% Blue Agave Blanco Tequila, Agavero Orange Liqueur, hand shaken with a shot of Grand Marnier. Totally thirst quenching and highly recommended. I will get back to try the others in the future. They have a full bar so any libation you enjoy is available.

On to the menu, it was so extensive with all of the classic staples and beyond. I narrowed it down to 4 samplings to share with readers. My first choice is for those who like heat, the Camarones a la Diabla, nice sized Shrimp prepared in a special spicy red sauce and it was truly the best that I have ever had. Next was Chicken & Shrimp Fajitas (which come in several meat and shrimp combinations) to cater to your individual palate.  The Fajitas are traditionally prepared with bell peppers, onions & tomatoes. It was a hearty portion and came steaming hot with all of the expected bells and whistles and a nice smoky flavor. It was served with Rice, Refried Beans or Black Beans, Guacamole, Sour Cream & Tortillas. Because they are popular,

 

I ordered a Wet Red Burrito with Cheese, Shredded Beef, rice and beans and it truly enough for two people. The final was one of the many combination plates, Los Tres Amigos (Hector, Max & Fernando) Choose 3 Items Taco (Shredded Beef, Ground Beef, or Chicken), Tamale, Enchilada or Chile Relleno

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The breakfast menu is very popular and the omelets are one of the favorites and there is a wonderful affordable breakfast special. They buy high quality maple syrup, bacon, sausage and all meat products and you can tell the difference.

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Info at www.carnitasexpress.com

Carnitas Express, 26900 Newport Rd #117 Menifee - 951.679.9747

Carnitas Express, 25030 Hancock Ave, Murrieta - 951.304.7999

Carnitas Express, 25145 Madison Ave, Murrieta – 951.677.5377

VIP’s Café Restaurant, 29997 Canyon Hill Road, Lake Elsinore 951.244.6677

I end this restaurant profile that I completed on Monday, March 16th with this advice . . . since we don’t know the fate of the food industry in Menifee and surrounding cities, I urge you in the coming weeks to continue to support our local restaurants to help keep them in business. If dining in is not an option, please order take out or even delivery through Door Dash, Grub Hub and Uber Eats which are the most popular delivery services.