Mi Ranchito

Quick! Shout out the first thing you think of when you hear this phrase: Mexican Food!

… Betos!

… Taco Bell

… Lengua

… Tacos El Toro

Sad, huh? Yes, my exposure to Mexican food seems awfully small. I know that there is much more to the cuisine of a country with so much history, culture, and life (contrary to what my friend Brody would think). But this is the tale of Mexican food in America. It’s bastardized much like the other “ethnic” foods that have immigrated and been transformed.  But in a sense, that bastardization is partially good. Fusion food, multi-ethnic food and crossbred cuisine is what makes “American” food special. A few weeks ago, I wrote about the hot dog. What better food than the hot dog to demonstrate how a foreign food can become a national item. Mexican food is no different. Taco Bell is the first thing many people will think of when you say Mexican Food. For those who abhor the fast food porn that is Taco Bell (don’t get me wrong, I love Taco Hell), they’ll say they love Betos, Racheritos, Albertos, or any other -os taco spots. Still not quite authentic, no? A next step over would be the wonderful and Peng’s Palate favorite, city taco stands. My absolute favorita (is that Spanish?) is Tacos El Toro. I always get the Lengua, Chicharon, and Buche. For those who are curious, click on the wonderful links to find out what those are. But even those don’t quite reach the pinnacle of Mexican food. They’re tasty spots but not 100% what you want when considering authentic.  Without getting political, Utah is a burgeoning, bustling, and growing Hispanic community. Start at Utah Lake and drive down Redwood Road and count the number of Taquerias, Restaurantes and Taco stands and it might surprise you.  You’ll go from suburbs to Little Mexico by the time you have crossed into West Valley and into Rose Park. It’s beautiful really. Having grown up in Los Angeles  (Rep Echo Park!) I know what it’s like to grow up among Mexican and  Hispanic food. I love menudo and the rich flavors of both Northern and Southern Mexican cuisine. This is why I’m very cautious about eating at a Mexican restaurant in the suburbs of the East bench. And yet, I did.

After a smacking good game of softball, I had major cravings for something besides rice and stir-fry. My teammates and I came upon Mi Ranchito. The peculiar spot that had a logo which reminded me of a baseball field so it seemed perfect for a post game meal.

Bueno?

The place was larger than the guest could fill. There was a banquet hall and a roundabout dining area that didn’t hide well that this place was slower than it could afford.  The hostess was friendly but the atmosphere was uninviting.  Perhaps a lunch rush makes this place seem more palatable. I ordered the Enchilada Acapulco which is a flour tortilla stuffed with “real” crab meat. Monterrey Jack Cheese and Salsa is then drizzeled on top with a garnish of sour cream, avacado slices, black olives and lime. Sounds good, doesn’t it? Well, unfortunatley the dish description was much more enjoyable than the actual dish itself.  I’ll admit that I am not the biggest fan of any Enchilada dish but the taste of this dish seemed old and worst of all, the “real” crab meat tasted more like imitation (surimi) crab meat.  In fact, I’ll bet top dollar that the crab meat was not real crab meat.  It was rubbery and tough, easily signs of imitation crab meat.  Real crab, even when overcooked doesn’t gum up and harden as this did. Also, very seldom does crab meat have the red dye strip that all imitation crab meat has. If anyone from the restaurant reads this blog, prove me otherwise. The fact that they would charge the prices they did for one Enchilada filled with such poor quality ingredients is upsetting.  My other guests has the Enchilada with Mole, which left a bitter taste in my mouth, literally and the other guest had the Carne Asada Burrito. It was probably the best item both for quantity and decent quality.

Doesn't this look appetizing?

I must also mention that my guest taster, Tony, did enjoy the Enchilada with Mole that he had. I on the other hand thought that the food overall was poorly done and tasted bitter and old.

The bright spot during this visit was the musical talents of  Ernesto Rico, a local artist who skillfully serenaded the guest in attendance with US pop ballads. He eventually made his way to our table and after some ethnic confusion, played a great rendition of a song by the artist Juanes, which I requested. He was amazing on the acoustic guitar, enough that I bought his CD. Well worth it! He’s there on Thursdays if you want to check him out.  Just don’t expect much from the food.

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