By LAURA BROOKHART / Community Columnist

Mayor Mark Hall and Helena City Council members and their families were in attendance at the ribbon cutting ceremony for Señor Chef, Helena’s newest eatery at 4091 Helena Road on Feb. 8. Helena Business Association officers were also present, giving a brief presentation of upcoming HBA events.

Señor Chef owners Jose Perez and Carlos Hueramo are former high school classmates, both with previous restaurant experience, who chose to partner and open Señor Chef in December in the space formerly occupied by The Coal Yard.

Perez and Hueramo both have families and note that they “want to offer a family environment and an affordable menu.”

How many ways can you combine beef, chicken, pork and seafood to create tasty combinations, one of which is sure to appeal to your palette?

At Señor Chef, the current magic number is 62.

Their menu offers a myriad of combination plates featuring enchiladas, quesadillas, flautas, chimichangas, burritos, tacos, chile relleno, fajitas and seafood tacos.

On the evening of Feb. 8, after the ribbon-cutting ceremony, booths and tables were packed with locals appreciative of Perez and Hueramo’s stated mission.

A young server named Edgar caught my eye that night with his cheerful demeanor and more-than-competent ability to service his assigned tables.

Señor Chef features a special-of-the-day, and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., lunch specials are available.

More than one diner that evening was enjoying the house special (so to speak)—the Jalisco burrito, a mega burrito stuffed with grilled chicken, steak, shrimp, grilled peppers and onions, rice, beans, cheese, sour cream and tomatoes.

Other compliments came from Kyra Woodman, whose plate held fish tacos.

Adam George had the No. 41 California Burrito and said, “It was delicious. Definitely planning to return to try more of their menu.”

After the cutting of the blue ribbon, it was passed around for all present that evening to sign, creating a welcoming and memorable tribute to this new Old Town business.

Señor Chef is open Sunday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Friday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

For more information on Señor Chef as well as a link to their complete menu, visit:

Facebook.com/senorchefhelena/.