LuLu’s Mexican comes to Campbell

A Peninsula-based chain of taquerias has just opened its fifth and southernmost location.

Joining the expansion of the Pruneyard in Campbell is LuLu’s, whose sign promises “comida fresca … salsa caliente!” — as in fresh food and hot salsa. And indeed, LuLu’s is known for its salsa bar, plus its wide array of meats and its popular chopped salads.

The restaurants are the brainchild of owner Natalie Richardson and head chef Lourdes (LuLu) Lopez, whose recipes are rooted in her family’s home state of Michoacan, Mexico. The first one opened in 2005 in Menlo Park.

Lopez’s menu of all-natural meats features three styles of beef (besides carne asada, there is beef barbacoa and a dish called albañil, with ground beef, chorizo, bacon, onion and pasilla pepper); three choices of white-meat chicken (grilled, simmered hervido-style, or marinated machaca-style in guajillo pepper, spices and onion); and pork three ways (carnitas, al pastor, chile verde). All come in burritos (including mojado/ wet style), tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas and nachos.

House specials include fajitas, chilaquiles and chicken mole two ways — in the traditional sauce or a green mole variety. Pozole and chicken tortilla soup are offered daily, as is a Mexican chicken, zucchini, carrot and brown rice soup. Grilled shrimp and marinated tilapia round out the menu.

LuLu’s says it sources from local farmers and uses organic where possible.

Notables on the beverage list are margaritas, Mexican hot chocolate and Mexican bottled Coke.

The Pruneyard LuLu’s Campbell is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily at 1875 S. Bascom Ave. (near the Rock Bottom Brewery); 408-559-8226; www.lulusmexicanfood.com. Besides Menlo Park, the other restaurants are located in San Carlos, Los Altos and Palo Alto.

Gott’s Roadside expanding to Walnut Creek

Attention, burger fans (which is pretty much everyone). Our favorite Napa Valley-turnedSan Francisco-turned Palo Alto burger joint, Gott’s Roadside, is expanding yet again.

And it’s official: They’ve selected Walnut Creek as their next spot. This is big news, we know, because our current bracket-style contest to select the best burger in the Bay Area is going gangbusters, and Gott’s got a spot in the Elite 8.

Gott’s Walnut Creek will open at Main Street and Botelho Drive near Broadway Plaza in December, bringing all the classics we’ve come to love, including cheeseburgers made with Niman Ranch beef, creamy, hand-spun milkshakes using Three Twins Ice Cream, the ahi sandwich and those addictive mahi mahi tacos.

According to a press release, the interior of the East Bay restaurant will retain the aesthetic of its South and North bay counterparts: a mix of rural roadside elements with industrial and refined contemporary touches.

Did we mention the Gott’s BLT comes with avocado? We’re just as excited.