THIS LAID-BACK Mexican restaurant is a hidden gem in the heart of Hendersonville. Located in a small strip mall on Walton Ferry Road, its unassuming exterior gives way to a bright and lively main dining area. The chalk wall, complete with signatures and notes from locals and visitors alike, adds a welcoming sense of community to the space.
We started with the ceviche mix, adding diced jalapenos because who doesn’t like a little spice in their life? This visually appealing plate looks almost too good to eat and is one of the best ceviches I’ve had since moving to Hendersonville. It is piled high with succulent diced shrimp and fish tossed with fresh tomatoes, jalapenos, cilantro, sliced avocado, and tangy lime. We drizzled the ceviche with “Chef Sauce,” one of their many delicious homemade hot sauces, and washed it down with a signature Cantarito Margarita. The orange added a delightful touch of sweetness, and chamoy and tajin artfully rimmed the cup.
Menudo is a new addition to their menu and does not disappoint! This traditional hearty soup is served with cilantro, oregano, lime, onion, and red chili peppers. It hits every flavor profile with perfect balance, and the heat from the red chili peppers is the warmth I needed to battle a cold January afternoon. The lime adds just the right amount of acidity, balanced by the earthy, umami flavors of the tender, well-prepared tripe.
The Trompo Burrito includes a generous portion of Al Pastor wrapped inside an extra-large flour tortilla topped with house-made Trompo Sauce, shredded cheese, cilantro, red onions, and grilled pineapple. The salty-sweet combo of this dish is a win!
I had the pleasure of speaking with the owner, Cristina Salazar, who was nearly brought to tears when she talked about how grateful she and her husband, Sam Ceballos-Caballero, are for the support this community has shown them over the years. She was too humble to mention how generous they have been to the Hendersonville community.
El Trompo donates to numerous charities and fundraisers throughout the year. The restaurant even served free meals via their food truck during clean up from the tornado that devastated our community in 2023.
From modest beginnings as a small taco shop with limited seating to the full sit-down restaurant they are today, it is evident that this family-run business intends to be a staple of the Hendersonville community for years to come. GN
