During Spring Break I had the pleasure of traveling with a dear friend of mine to North Carolina for some hiking adventures! One sunny but chilly morning we decided to take a drive and check out Little Switzerland, a small resort overlooking a valley. I had been there a few dozen times with my grandmother years ago, as we would vacation in Spruce Pine for the summer. We would find ourselves sitting on the rock stones overlooking the valley enjoying our favorite summertime frozen treat! My grandmother with her butter pecan ice cream and I would have either mint chocolate chip or cookies and cream. (Honestly, you can't go wrong with either.) Unfortunately, on this trip, Little Switzerland was all closed up, no ice cream for us. But it was still a nice visit filled with many memories of summers past.
After a little more exploring around Little Switzerland, we saw a small book store across the road, we decided to check it out. It was a great store which sold new books, gently used books, as well as some rare finds and first editions. We visited the shop for some time, each of us finding books we were eager to purchase! After all the searching for that perfect book (or two, or three), we were both becoming pretty hungry. We asked some locals where we might find an excellent bite to eat, and they gave us a few names in the town of Spruce Pine. So we packed up our new books and headed off.
Once we found the town, we looked for the places they recommended, however, after briefly perusing the menus, we decided on Mexican. This great little place, El Ranchero Mexican Restaurant, in a small little plaza off the main road. The restaurant is family owned, by the Garcia family, and they have been operating for 12 years. We were greeted with a smile as soon as we strolled in and we were seated immediately. They promptly served us waters and chips and salsa. We eagerly scoped out the menu as we took in all the smells of the kitchen which drifted alluringly through the dining room. My friend decided to order the Chile Relleno with rice and refried beans, while I ordered the Tacos Toluca. Now, I have had some fantastic Mexican food, the best had been while visiting Mexico on a vacation years ago, but friends I have to tell you, that was until this visit to El Ranchero! Ok, let us get to the goods...
Ok, to begin the Chili Relleno. The chili was cooked perfectly with still a good bite and texture. (I have had many where they have been cooked too long, and became mushy.) The beef was seasoned well and there was a healthy portion of cheese stuffed inside as well, which I do not mind. The batter the chili was coated in and cooked gave a nice contrast in texture, with just the right amount of that airy, eggy flavor. Also, there was a delicious spicy sauce they covered the chili with, flavors of cumin, chili powder, and garlic. The rice and beans were your typical rice and beans, seasoned fine, they were not bland by any means. This is a traditional take on the Chili Relleno, but a delicious one, which my friend and I are still talking about. It's full of flavor and so wonderfully prepared.
The picture of the Taco Toluca does not do it justice. Firstly, they were served wrapped in foil to keep them warm, which I greatly appreciate. Also I was served a side of pico de gallo and I asked for sour cream. As I unwrapped my first taco the aroma of the spices hit me in the nose like a pleasant punch. This entire dish was seasoned so beautifully. The strips of beef were tender with bits of char and the chorizo sausage was crumbled. The chorizo added a nice flavor and the cook used it well, so it was not over powering. Finally, there were large pieces of pineapple that added a perfect sweetness to the spices and saltiness of the beef and sausage. If you stop into the El Ranchero, this is a must try. I am still dreaming of these superb tacos.
All of the salsas and sauces are made in house everyday. These fresh bold flavors will add to your meal or chips, if you choose.
Overall I give El Ranchero two enthusiastic thumbs up. I did not originally intend on doing a review for this restaurant, but after sampling the cuisine, I really couldn't resist. But because I was on vacation and poorly equipped for this review, I hope I was able to write well for you. I believe I can speak for my friend as well when I say, our hats are off to the Garcia family, they have a clean and well-run restaurant that is serving delicious Mexican food. If you are ever in that neck of the woods, I recommend stopping in for some tacos!
203 Locust Street Hours: Monday-Thursday 11-9pm
Spruce Pine, NC 28777 Friday 11-9:30pm
Saturday 11:30-9pm
828-765-6222 Sunday Noon-8pm
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