Taqueria La Rancherita: Restaurant Review

Every now and then, I get a craving for Mexican food, but less of the typical tacos and burritos type. This past weekend, I went to a local restaurant with m parents and had a very pleasant experience at the Taqueria La Rancherita in Renton, WA.

I haven't been here in a long while (probably since high school >.<) but I have been to their other location. My parents go here more on the days they spend together and they usually bring home left overs which I eat. I wanted to try something different and I was in the mood for seafood. Therefore, I ordered this Campechana dish which is a Mexican seafood soup/cocktail dish that came with shrimp and octopus (my faves!) It was $12.99 and was a very generous portion of seafood. I loved the fresh onions and cilantro throughout and especially the avocado. It added a nice soft texture to the dish. I added extra lime to give it a nice tang. It wasn't spicy but it was flavor packed. It was exactly what I was craving without even knowing it. I of course ordered their Horchata (sweet and spiced rice milk drink) and it's always refreshing. It is a little sweet, but the ice dilutes it down later on.

I didn't think the Campechana would fill me up (even though it did), so I ordered a Lengua (beef tongue) soft taco. The beef tongue was nicely cooked and was nice and tender, not chewey at all. A little flavorless on its own, but that's why you add your own salsa or pica de gallo to it. Simple and delicious. The single taco was around $3.

Now this next dish we shared as a family. The waitress already asked my dad ahead of time if we wanted the Menudo which is a Mexican beef tripe soup. I guess my parent's are more regulars there than I thought. The Menudo is only made on the weekends so it is more of a "special treat." They make a rojo (red) version spiced with paprika (I believe) and other spices. It comes with a side of condiments such as dried oregano, cilantro and onions, and red pepper flakes. I personally think it tastes better with all the spices added. It gives a mouthful of flavor and also, if you don't like the smell of tripe, it masks it as well.

The tripe was very soft and tender and overall, an excellent dish. I'm used to eating tripe and such prepared in an Asian way (Chinese dim sum, or in Vietnamese pho dishes) so having it prepared another way with different flavors is always a good experience for me.

I highly recommend this place if you're craving good Mexican food. It's reasonably priced and offers delicious foods! 

Salumi: A Must-Stop Seattle Food destination, Review

I had a chance to FINALLY stop by the ever so popula Salumi Artisan Cured Meats storefront in Seattle's Pioneer Square area (website HERE)

Owned by the family of Mario Batali from Food Network, this place brings authentic and family style Italian foods and cured meats.

As I was walking up to the restaurant, I already noticed a line, but realized that the line moves pretty quickly (for people eating to-go which is the majority of the lunch crowd in the area).

They open at 11 am till around 3:30 to 4, Tuesday thru Friday with seasonal menus and daily specials.

 

Assembly line of workers that prepare the sandwhiches right in front of you and have the meat slicer constantly running.

Full menu with platter options

Porchetta: Slow roasted pork in fennel, carrots, and celery for a burst of flavor served with green bell peppers and onion on a toasted baguette. This comes to you warm and really is a flavor explosion. the juices soaked up nicely in the crispy baguette and caught all the flavor. The pork was nice and juicy and tender. Excellent warm sandwhich.

I wanted to try the cured meats so I couldn't help but try the Beef tongue/Lingua sandwhich:

Served on Giuseppe bread I believe. The cured beef tongue was sliced righ in front of me off of a huge beef tongue slab. I asked for Provolone cheese and adde the onions and peppers. This really made my taste buds happy. The flavor was incredible and the texture of the beef tongue wasn't what one typically would think of when they try beef tongue. I brought some to my brother and he really enjoyed this one.

Caldo Gallego soup: with white beans, salami chunks, potatoes, turnip, kale and bell peppers. This was a nice savory, homey feeling chunky soup/stew. There was a nice spicy bite from the salami that had peppercorns in them. The flavors were brought out well and blended nicely togethre. The beans and potatoe helped give the soup some body and texture. My favorite parts were the turnips and kale. I highly recommend this dish, and also dipping your sandwhich/bread in it to soak up all the goodness!

Pricing was mid-range I would say, but well worth it for the quality of the food. I can see why people wait in the long lines daily for their food.

All 3 items I picked up totaled to aroudn $28 with tax.

If you're ever in the Seattle area on weekday, take the time to try this place out!