California's Wine Country is one of our favorite travel destinations. We love it because its beautiful. Warm, sunny. Oak trees covered in moss. Mustard colored hills. Roses and poppies everywhere. Dean & Deluca. Oakville Grocery. Bouchon. Great food and wine. Fun people.
Last year, while driving on Route 29 in Calistoga, we spotted a roadside Taquería. It looked like an old school bus, only it was serving food. We were hungry and it was a beautiful day and having never tried this type of roadside dining before, we just had to stop and have a "tasting". We ordered tacos de carne asada y de pollo (steak and chicken tacos) They were served in a corn tortilla, with fresh cilantro, avocado, onion, radishes, roasted jalapeños, a slice of lemon and plenty of "salsa" (red and green). We ate under the trees and savored every bite. That night we reminisced about that scrumptious yet simple lunch. The next day we returned to the same spot. It was that good.
To this day, we still remember those lunch stops in Calistoga as some the best food we had in the wine country and perhaps one of the best Mexican meals ever. Simple food. Fresh, made to order. Cooked by people who know what they are doing and are not compromising their roots and traditions tweaking their recipes or presentation to fit the "Gringos" palate or demands. This is Mexican food by Mexicans for Mexicans and those wit ha soft spot for "la cocina Mexicana".
Today has been, so far, a beautiful day in Seattle. Sunny and warm. Green and flowers everywhere. This is not a day to waste away working. This is a day to get on 520, cross Lake Washington, drive to the Eastside, shop, eat outside, have a picnic even, grill your dinner.
I needed to go grocery shopping so I decided to drive all the way to Trader Joe's at Bel-Red and 156th. On the way home I stopped at my favorite Mexican food joint in all of Seattle. As humble and friendly as those Napa Valley roadside Taquerías, with food just as delicious. No need to get on a plane for it.
Rancho Bravo is managed by two wonderful and ever so friendly ladies: Ruth and Fidelia. Ruth hails from Veracruz, off the Gulf of Mexico, home of fabulous coastal cuisine and delicious seafood. Fidelia, from Guerrero, on the Pacific coast.
These ladies know how to cook and at lunch time there is always a line at Rancho Bravo. A long, multi-lingual, multi-cultural line. From truck drivers to Microsoft execs.
The menu is simple but fantastic. Something for everyone. Tacos, Burritos, Quesadillas, Tamales, Tortas, Rice and Beans, Fish Tacos and Sandwiches. In the colder months, Fidelia makes the best Mexican Hot Chocolate you'll have this side of the border. Hot, thick, flavorful and whipped to perfection.
The food is prepared right when you order and although fast, this by no means is fast-food. I've never had a bad meal here. The prices can't be beat and they food comes with a complimentary side of smiles and excited chat.
Eat it right there or take it to go. I purchased a Taco de Carne Asada with extra roasted jalapeños, guacamole (homemade and so fresh) and a drink and drove to the nearest park to have a picnic under the trees. If you find yourself in the Bellevue area look for Rancho Bravo. Its just so good.
Rancho Bravo
Mon-Sat 10am to 10pm
Corner of 140th and Bel-Red Rd.
within the parking lot of the 76 Gas Station
(across from Safeway and Starbucks)
