Atlanta - March 17, 2008

Big House on the Prairie

El Tesoro Restaurant Opens

Recent searches for “buried treasure” have yielded 82¢, a missing left earring, and one mortifying Facebook tag. Still, onward you quest.

If you’re lucky, you’ll end up at El Tesoro (“treasure” in Spanish), the latest venture from the guys behind La Casita, opening Wednesday for lunch just off Decatur Square.

The menu includes Casita’s famous hand-rolled tamales and homemade everything else — ceviche del día, ducks carnitas, mint and garlic simmered pork meatballs, and even sour cream and salsas.

Hit them in the wee hours for a late-night menu of small plates of pickled chiles, goat cheese tamales, and a 95-deep tequila bar.

You’re in for an eyeful, too. Denise Disharoon decked the mantels, niches, and walls with altar pieces and Latin American folk art. Soon they’ll have piñatas — and, yes, they’ll be for sale. No, you can’t take them to the garden bar for a test run.

Unless you’re looking for trouble.

El Tesoro, 129 Church Street, Decatur (404-377-9797 or eltesorodecatur.com).

  Alfresco, Boozehound, Charmer