I lived in Oaxaca, Mexico for a few months and traveled around southern/mid-Mexico for a bit. I also lived in San Diego as a kid and again in college for my first year, so I understand the So Cal taco shop thing. But I will say this: the food of Northern Mexico does not compare to the food of southern Mexico. It is blander, more salty, less complex, and less creative. While I lived and traveled in Mexico I did not eat, or see, a single pinto bean. They were all black beans, and they were never “refried”, they were whole. I also didn’t see a single nacho or burrito. Lots of tacos, moles, squash blossoms, tlayudas (kind of like a huge taco, but only kind of), stews, soups, etc.

There are four places in Seattle that really match the kind of food I ate in my host family’s and friends’ homes and on the streets of Mexico, and sadly only one of them is in White Center. The two best happen to be in Ballard, of all places. “Senor Moose” (I know it sounds really dumb, but it’s true) has the best variety and some of the best Mexican food I have had outside of Mexico. “La Carta de Oaxaca” is Oaxacan food, and yes it tastes just like my Mexican mom made. The portions are quite small compared to what you get at other Mexican places, but it’s real, people. It’s real. Downtown there is a little place on Cherry called “El Sabor de Oaxaca”. While their tacos and burritos are only so-so, they have tlayudas and tortas to die for. And, they have chapulines, the little toasted grasshoppers that Oaxacans sprinkle on their food (you have to ask for those and the people behind the counter will be delighted you did.)

While I like del Rio and Tacos Guyamas in White Center, the most authentic place, for me, is that little roasted corn stand on the corner of 15th and 98th, in the parking lot of the Sam-Way and Sam Plus. Roasted corn on a stick or cut off the cob in a cup, with butter, mayonnaise, and chile. Yes. Late night street snack in Mexico. Now, if I can just find some guy to come around on the street with a broiler full of roasted bananas that he serves with cream and crunchy sugar crystals…

Could we have lived in the same places in the 80s? I miss the old Silver Lake, and the old pre-trendy Cadillac Ave? Pico and Sepulveda?

Man, you make me homesick, and this is the same reason I came to White Center…

From August 11:

El Paisano is TERRIFIC! The kids behind the counter are sweet and smart; the whole family is warm and embraceable, to be sure.

And, I will chime in with Ricardo’s testament to the quality of the meat used. The succulent, sweet pork on my fresh $1.50 carnita was ample enough to constitute a full meal! There are few things as wholesome and nourishing, to me, as a simply seasoned, fresh pot of slow-cooked pinto beans. The unctuous broth soothes souls, I think. El Paisano knows the soul’s needs: pinto beans so undeniably, irresistibly fresh, they snapped when bitten into. Oh, that is some very good, simple eating.

They roast a beautiful chicken, as well. The genius is that they are Not overly salted, as is so common. A beautiful, lightly crackled skin remains over moist meat, perfectly tendered. They can be bought whole, as well as a 1/4 and 1/2 chicken meal with beans (whole or refried – BOTH fresh, however!) and rice.

I love this little place, the people and, yes, the poultry! It’s all so very good.

There food is the best I have every had they also have a butcher shop next door.Same owners

I know that I have ordered a burrito there and they are excellet, I dont like Sourcream in my burrito so I request it no to be in it, the people that work there are so nice, there servings are large enough for 2 people for the price it is not bad at all. Have you tried there veagtable beef soups? Wow it is out of this world ,Just like my grandmother makes it in Mexico .

I used to like Bimbo’s when I lived two blocks away from it and could get tacos for around a dollar apiece (this was in 1996). Not only do I not live on the Hill anymore, but the last few times I went there I wasn’t impressed. Not sure if my taste has improved or the place really has gone that far downhill.

but Justin hasn’t steered me wrong yet when it comes to food so i am eagerly anticipating our first visit…