Best Mexican Food in Healdsburg
August 31, 2008 · Print This Article · Written by Jennifer
I met Nista at the music in the plaza series that plays after the Farmer’s Market on Tuesday evenings. I’m just wandering around looking for a good picture and I stumble (almost literally) over Ronald (a friend I know from snowboarding). I laugh and ask if I can crash his blanket.
He introduces me to his colleagues. He’s a winemaker at Jordan Winery and everybody on the blanket was somehow connected to Jordan. I felt a bit out of place. One girl asks where did I work? And I answer that I am an independent. I don’t work at any winery–nor in the wine business in general. She grabs my shoulders with both hands and exclaims: “Wow. I’ve heard about people like you, but I didn’t really believe you existed.”
We both laugh.
Ronald eventually introduces me to Nitsa. She’s bubbly and smiley and I like her immediately. When she asks what I am doing, I tell her about this website and what I’m trying to do here. She thrilled and her reaction gives me some confidence. She starts talking: “If you want to know anything about the restaurants here, talk to me.” She uses her thumbs and points at herself. “I’ve been out and about with my husband for two or three years. WE KNOW what’s what on the menus.”
I ask her to clarify.
“Mexican, for examle,” she says. “Mexican. If you want a good taco, you have to try the Al Pastor taco at El Sombrero. If you want the best enchilada, Taqueria Santa Rosa for sure. The cheese enchilada. And they have THE BEST salsa. THE BEST salsa in town.
She’s animated and continues: “And El Taco Grande (and motions in the direction of the Longs Plaza), you have to try the Wet Willi at El Taco Grande.
I raise an eyebrow and question: “Uh…what is a Wet Willi?” I’m not sure if I actually want to hear the answer.
“Oh.” she laughs. “It’s a burrito. Actually, it’s a chili relleno, fried and rolled into a burrito. And it’s big enough for two people. For the entire day! That’s all you need to eat,” she emphasizes. “ALL DAY!”
I must agree with Nitsa. The Al Pastor tacos at El Sombrero in Healdsburg is muy delicioso. But I feel it necessary to add that the Carne Asada Mexi-Plate is the Tops! The way they grill their flat meat and green onions in my opinion, compares to some of the best.
Also, on a breakfast note…Hashbrowns and donuts at the Flaky Cream in Healdsburg… Just ask Ronald
Best Mexican Food in Healdsburg?! LOL
Classic! Ask a gringa (Nitsa) about Mexican food. No self-respected Mexican (such as myself) would go to El Sombrero or Taqueria Santa Rosa (maybe to El Taco Grande). There are only two places in Healdsburg were you can taste something remotely close to authentic Mexican food: Taqueria Guadalajara and the “restaurant” inside the Mexican Store by Anstead’s (La Luna?). Besides, “Mexican food” in gringoland is not really authentic Mexican food; it is Tex-Mex.
Oscar,
I hear you. This is a site for perspectives. Do you want to share what you like at Taqueria Guadalajara and the other place beside Anstead’s?
Jennifer
As far as the Al Pastor meat at El Sombrero-Nitsa is dead on!
She’s also right about the burritos at El Taco Grande, since I’m a meat lover I can’t vouch for the Wet Willi since I can’t seem to order anything but the Burrito Loco w/three types of meat. My co-workers have ordered other burritos and they are all big and delicious.
Since moving here from the South Bay a year and a half ago I’ve been on a quest for the best Al Pastor and Carne Asada in Sonoma County, so I’ve tried all the ones listed in everyones comments.
Sorry Oscar, as a Hispanic, food-lover and a person that knows Nitsa and her husband , I’d have to say you are wrong (and a bit prejudiced) for dissing her comments. If anyone knows good food, they would-they’re professional chefs.
If you could please also elaborate on your experience at El Guadalara and enlighten us readers because I’ve been there twice and their tacos are good (like most)-but not great.
Maybe I’ll give them another try if I know what to order.
Thanks Fidel!!
As for El Sombrero,can I ask Oscar…. if the food is for “gringas” why is the room constantly 90 percent Mexican??
My favorite tacos in Healdsburg are the Chicken Fajita Soft Tacos at Taqueria Guadalajara. Each taco consists of two soft corn tortillas packed with grilled red and green peppers, grilled onions, salsa and lean grilled chicken thigh meat. Lime wedges and radishes are served on the side. A consistently delicious lunch deal with chips for $5.00.
For veg lovers, I recommend the Garden Burrito at El Taco Grande. It is not your typical “veggie burrito.” This one features fresh steamed cauliflower, carrots, zucchini, broccoli and tomatoes with the rice and beans. It is not a very traditional burrito, but it tastes a lot more interesting than iceberg lettuce you frequently find.
For the best burritos overall, I suggest trying the chicken or chorizo burritos at Los Mares taqueria. They cook the meat to order for each burrito. The food is always tasty and fresh.