Namaste amigo: Sherpas breathe new life into La Casa

Next year is the 50th anniversary of La Casa Restaurant, the iconic – and oldest – Mexican restaurant in Sonoma.

La Casa has seen its fair share of restaurant history: six owners since its 1967 founding.

Late 2015 marked another notch in the ownership history of La Casa – owners Marisela and Ana Rodriguez were ready to sell and the buyers were there: four members of Sonoma’s Sherpa community.

La Casa has been a long-time staple for locals.

The happy hour is one of the best in town, with cheap, strong, house margaritas and plenty of appetizers to fill one’s belly.

In recent years, the food has always been just “ok” – nothing life changing, just casual Mexican food at a wallet friendly price in a town where three to four money signs is the average.

Even the old building was getting a bit tired.

La Casa resides in a building that was built in the 1800s, serving as a creamery and then became Vella Cheese Company.

In 1967, La Casa moved in, founded by Al Gordon, a Hollywood comedy writer who won Emmys for his work with Jack Benny and wrote for Carol Burnett, Flip Wilson and the Smothers Brothers.

After many years, the building began to fall into disrepair and some love was needed, and no one better than a group of hardworking, good friends to take on that task.

Born in Nepal, Mingma Tenjing, Pasang Sherpa, Gyalzen Sherpa, and Pemba Sherpa grew up under the shadow of Mount Everest. Prior to coming to the US, they worked in the tourism and hospitality industries, including climbing Mount Everest while guiding tourists up the mountain.

They came to America seeking a better life for their families and to escape the corrupt government of Nepal. They lost family in last year’s Nepal earthquake and have worked tirelessly to support rebuilding efforts in Nepal.

The Sherpas are some of the hardest working people in Sonoma. All four men are staples in the restaurant scene, often holding down multiple jobs – even after taking over La Casa.

For example, Tenjing continues his role as a long-time waiter at the Depot Hotel; Gyalzen balances his time between La Casa and waiting tables at the Red Grape; Pemba started the Sonoma Food Taxi, and Pasang worked for many years at the Plaza Bistro and Saddles before coming to La Casa as a waiter.

It was Pasang who facilitated the sale while he was working at La Casa – “The Rodriguez’s were ready to move on, and we were ready for the opportunity,” shared Pasang.

The transition was smooth and quick, and anyone who has stopped in La Casa recently has noticed a difference: a new bar, new paint, art, landscaping and even a new patio.

The food has been the biggest improvement. While the menu continues to serve up classics like burritos and enchiladas, the quality has improved immensely.

“We use only fresh produce and meats,” Pemba shared, “…and we kept the same kitchen staff, including our chef, who is here early in the morning prepping for the day – nothing goes to waste.”

The taste is evident. The fajitas are the best in town, with fresh cuts of chicken breast and steak. They offer specials like Mexican paella, a colorful mix of fresh vegetables, black beans, rice, and seafood.

The tacos will fulfill your taco truck craving if you can’t make it to the Springs. You can still get free La Casa chips and salsa upon arrival, too.

They offer rotating drink specials and they now serve local wine by Mexican-American wineries, including Ceja and Robledo.

La Casa also offers catering – on and off-site – including a full bar license. I’ll take a Coatrack margarita in my backyard, please.

As to Sherpas owning a Mexican restaurant? The Sherpas didn’t think twice.

“The sharing of culture is what makes America special,” expressed Pasang, “and there actually are many similarities between Mexican and Nepalese food,” including the spices, the incorporation of beans and rice as a staple, and nacho chips being dipped into flavorful sauces similar to naan bread.

“And don’t forget the hot sauce,” grinned Tenjing. “Yeah, we also have that in common,” added Gyalzen, referring to the off the charts hot habanero salsa they make in-house.

The Sherpas have found a new home in La Casa, and you will, too.

Visit the new and improved La Casa Restaurant at 121 E. Spain St, Sonoma – 996-3406 – lacasarestaurants.com.