Dining out

Annie Bettelli

GLENDALE -- Don Cuco Mexican Restaurant has been a popular

restaurant in Burbank for as long as I can remember. Glendale now has

its own branch at a recently opened location on Brand Boulevard. This Don

Cuco is bright and sunny, decorated in vivid rainbow colors in a

traditional hacienda motif.

One feature at the Burbank location that was unique to any Mexican

restaurant I’ve been to is that they serve sour cream along with the

salsa and chips. Perhaps it’s a personal preference, but I always looked

forward to it.

I was disappointed when I wasn’t served any here. A simple request to

our friendly server and he set me up with a small cup at no extra charge.

The menu is standard fare offering combos, fajitas, tacos, burritos and

other popular Mexican specialties.

The fajitas are made with large, flavorful chunks of meat, not thin

strips, which is uncommon in most fajita dishes I’ve tried. There are

complete platters that offer seafood, steak and shrimp, but at lunchtime

I must recommend the buffet ($7.25), an all-you-can-eat feast of cheese

enchiladas, chile rellenos, beef and chicken dishes mixed with vegetables

and fajitas with tortillas made fresh right there at the end of the line.

Also included is salad and dessert. The flan is especially good with

in a delicious vanilla sauce that was not overly sweet.

* ANNIE BETTELLI welcomes requests. Send correspondence in care of the

News-Press/Leader to 111 W. Wilson Ave., Suite 200, Glendale 91203 or

contact her directly via e-mail at BERIES@aol.com. Her column appears

each Wednesday.

IF YOU GO

*WHERE: Don Cuco Mexican Restaurant, 214 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale.

*PHONE: 553-1123.

*LIQUOR: Full bar.

*HOURS: Open seven days. Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday closes at midnight.

*PRICES: Lunch buffet $7.25; entrees $7.95 to $13.75, dinner menu same

as lunch, $2-$3 higher; children’s menu $4.25; Sunday champagne brunch

adults $10.95/children $5.95.