Mi Ranchito
One thing I miss living in Hawai`i is good Mexican food. There's the usual smattering of American-ized chains, but a dearth of authentic authenticity. My crude rule of thumb: if entrees contain grated cheddar or sour cream, tenga sospechas!
When I travel and find a good Mexican spot, it tastes twice as good because I've waited so long. Today's find is in Palmdale, northeast of Los Angeles. Mi Ranchito is Mexican fast food, but don't worry that "fast" means "compromised." For the past seven years, this family owned restaurant has been serving up delicious, authentic comida that runs circles around most sit-down joints.
For starters, I ordered two tacos ($0.99/ea), one with lengua (beef tongue) and one with suadero (charbroiled beef shoulder marinated in lime). A taco de lengua is my own litmus test for affordable Mexican, because it's simple fare, but generally not cooked for white American tastes. The succulent lengua easily passed my litmus test, but I still preferred the tangy suadero The tacos were small, as you might expect for the price, and were garnished simply with onion, cilantro and green chilis.
I also ordered a sopes de chorizo ($2.25). Sopes are similar in construction to the open-faced tacos, but use a thick tortilla made from masa, and are garnished with beans, lettuce, tomato, cheese, onion, cilantro, crema and green chilis. The chorizo was clearly homemade, slightly oily and very spicy. Oh so good! The price seemed high compared to the tacos though--more than double.
A tall glass of horchata ($1.29) helped wash everything down. Horchata is made from rice water and milk, seasoned with cinnamon and a generous portion of sugar. It is sweet to counteract and balance the spice of the meal. By the time I finished everything in front of me, I was comfortably full at a very affordable price.
Contrary to the hope that Mi Ranchito would scratch my Mexican food itch, it has only increased my cravings. If anyone knows of good Mexican on O`ahu to sooth my addiction, I'd love to hear from you!
Mi Ranchito
1060 E Palmdale Blvd Ste 101
Palmdale, CA 93550-4751
(661) 273-2135
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I wish you luck. Job moved me here from California, and I've suffered ever since. Looking forward to any positive news. Nothing better than standing by a taco van eating buck tacos washed down by a Jarritos!
Wow... these are cheap prices to buy big plates! My husband would or could buy two plates! Yes, there is one really good mexican restaurent on or by King Street but let me get back to you for more details. Just remind me, ok?
Hi Alan - This post got me thinking. I lament the lack of access to the food and dishes that I enjoyed "back-home", that is, Hawaii. What would I miss if I were to suddenly move back? Not the Mexican, but I would really miss the variety of Chinese - Sichuan/Muslim Chinese/Shanghainese/Taiwanese available in SoCal, as well as the Salvadoran and all types of Middle Eastern food and foodstuffs available here. Thanks for a thought provoking post.
Dan- I remember Jarritos! I'll bet people around here would like 'em.
Yvette- Yes, please! Do you remember what stretch of King Street? I spend a lot time near King where it passes through Chinatown and Downtown.
Kirk- I'm not sure I've ever had true Sichuan/Muslim, but I'm intrigued. So Cal is a great place to sample from the whole world's buffet line.
I think both Baja Tacos on Wai'alae [near UH at the bottom of St. Louis Drive] and Mi Casa on Monsarrat near Diamond Head Market have Jarritos. Not sure if either place would rival the one you describe, but both have helped to assuage my Mexican food need since moving here a year ago. I've also been told there's a Latin American market on South Beretania that might carry Jarritos as well. Would be curious to hear of other sources you find!
Elizabeth, I remember reading about Baja Tacos in the Advertiser a few months back, but haven't had a chance to visit yet. Mi Casa is a new one to me. I'll make visiting both a high priority. Thanks for the tip! Do you have an approximate cross street for the Latin Market? I don't remember seeing it, but I've probably driven right by a thousand times.
Diegos in town on King street across from Longs is the best place in town for "comida Mexicana", however... the best place is in kaneohe, its called..El Mariachi. It is run by a family from Guadalajara and it is by far the best. Be sure and try the carnitas and the adobada. Their chili rellenos are also great.
Having travelled extensively throughout Mexico, this is by far the best place on Oahu, and... they have Jarritos.
"mikeylikesit", King St is convenient for me, but it appears I need to make a trek across the Ko'oluas to find El Mariachi. Thanks for the advice.