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by Coronado Bob & Berie
Coronado, California
May 3, 2004
This is the world's BEST for those who love really authentic HOT New Mexican chiles. Ask Nellie's son, Danny Ray, whether the "green" or the "red" is the hottest when you are there because it is sometimes one and sometimes the other depending on season and weather. The one that is less hot is always very tasty, even for those who love the hot. Order a gordita, a cornmeal pocket filled with seasoned ground meat, lettuce, and tomatoes. Have a green or red chili plate (the meat is extremely lean and tender chunks), or the "too die for" chile rellenos. Go for a breakfast of true huevos rancheros covered in a light green mild chile sauce or have one of their many burritos (red or green or half and half). Try the best chalupa in the world. AND try the most heavenly sopapillas possible. We did compare and they are truly the very best.
On Saturdays, if you do not get in by 8am with the die hard locals, be prepared for a line. This humble cafe has been written up in Sunset and Gourmet magazines among many others and has a picture of Toby Keith on the wall since he used to bring his two busses in for a chile fix.
Locals eat tacos, burritos, and enchiladas as breakfast fare, although they do serve eggs in several New Mexican styles. We ate there every morning and were still ready to go back!
Danny Ray and sister Josie, who operate Nellie's for their mother, Nellie, vacation for two weeks in the summer so you will be disappointed if you do not make sure that they are open when you go. There’s no liquor license, but you will want a tall glass of ice water or iced tea with your treats.
From journal Cinco de Mayo in Las Cruces