VIVA EL MATADOR!
By Amy Nicholson
StandardNet
April 2 2010
More than four decades ago, Artoosh Hasratian and his brother, Tony
Hasratian, opened an Armenian restaurant in Ogden.
Soon after, they converted it to a Mexican restaurant — and the
Ogden location is still thriving in the original location today.
In 1976, Artoosh Hasratian opened a separate El Matador restaurant on
Main Street in Bountiful, where he has gained a following of regulars
over the years.
In 2005, Costco purchased Hasratian’s land in Bouniful, enabling him to
build a state-of-the-art facility a little farther east on Main Street.
"We are known for our chili verde," Hasratian said. The Viva Zapata
($8.59) is a flavor-packed chili verde burrito topped with extra
chili verde sauce.
The Veracruz ($10.29) is a popular dish with two cheese enchiladas,
one beef taco and two golden fried jumbo shrimp. A smaller version,
De Rosa ($7.99), includes the taco, one enchilada and one shrimp.
Hasratian said everything is prepared from scratch. The recipes are
his and his brother’s originals. They are particular about their meat,
using only beef from sirloin and hand-trimmed chicken breasts. They
offer complimentary salsa with chips and a unique house enchilada
sauce.
The Cha Cha Bowl ($9.29) is a salad topped with sweet pork cut from
the center pork tenderloin. "It’s the best there is," Hasratian said.
It is served with Mango Peach Tango Salsa.
Chimichangas ($9.49), Taco Salads ($7.99), and steak or chicken Fajitas
($11.49) are also popular.
The staff welcomes families, offering a children’s menu along with
a selection of American dishes such as the Halibut Plate ($8.99)
with salad and fries.
Hasratian said the restaurant business has been good to him.
"It’s been wonderful. It has been absolutely a great adventure,"
he said.
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