La Rancherita – PA

Admittedly, I went to West Chester to visit my favorite Mexican spot–Senora’s–however I was saddened to read a sign posted in the window that, due to the tragic death of one of their cooks, the restaurant will be closed on Sundays indefinitely.  I immediately felt guilty as my first thoughts were not condolences but whiny little Lucille Ball-like bitch fits. “Waaaaaaaaaah…whyyyyyyy Ricky?”

////

Once I pulled myself together–after some mild hypervenilation in the car and frantic Yelping in a desperate attempt to find decent Mexican food–I stumbled upon La Rancherita which was, literally, a block away from my beloved Senora’s.

////

I pulled into the parking lot and felt like a cheating spouse as I looked around guiltily as if an employee of Senora’s was secretly watching me. If your idea of good Mexican fare is a gordita from Taco Bell, stay far, far away from this place. This tiny Mexican grocery store/cantina/discoteca is the real deal–serving both goat and nopales (cactus) on its menu.

////

I had the mixed fajitas–nicely seasoned chicken, shrimp, and bistec (steak) served with sliced avocado, refried beans (with queso fresco), rice, and a basket of piping hot tortillas.  I asked for nopales on the side as well and washed it all down with a bottle of tamarind juice.

////

It was a nice way to spend a Sunday evening while watching World Cup coverage.  However, I can’t say that I’ll be abandoning Senora’s any time soon.