Tuesday, May 10, 2011

A Jaunt Up the Coast -- Part I La Super-Rica


Of course, there are other ways to knock out the blues. Paris is not the only fix. A visit to the ocean can help mightily. A blast of negative ions from the sea air has set me right on more than a few occasions.


Naturally, the delicious food to be consumed on the way to, while enjoying, and returning from the ocean can prove uplifting as well.

Just a few hours up the coast from Los Angeles is Moonstone Beach. It's a mere skip away from Cambria. Last week, Fe. and I packed our bags (okay, I did the packing. Fe. barked out orders.) and headed north with Mo. and my parents for a mid-week get-away.


Conveniently located between Los Angeles and Moonstone Beach lies Santa Barbara, home to Julia Child's favorite taqueria, La Super-Rica. Mo, Fe. and I were there at 11:00 a.m. as the doors opened. I find it hard to believe that this was only my third visit, considering I have traveled up and down California's coast, right past La Super-Rica's doors, an uncountable number of times.


Amusingly, the three times have all been in the last few months. When I latch onto a restaurant, I can't let go!

The definite favorite is #16, Super-Rica Especial. On the recommendation of the friendly cashier, I've opted for chicken instead of pork each time. That's not typically my style (chicken instead of pork? no way!), but I liked it so much the first time, I can't possibly change my order now. So, so good and juicy with the smoky roasted pasilla chiles and gobs of melted cheese resting atop the addictive hand-made corn tortillas.


I've also happily consumed tasty carne asada and marinated pork tacos. A large dollop of the vibrant green guacamole and a generous splash of the coriander-heavy green salsa and you are near bliss. I'm not talking cilantro, but dried coriander. The salsa is redolent with the stuff and I love it.


We've had great success on our previous visits with a dish of beef, bacon, green peppers and onions, but this last go round the meat was sadly over-cooked, so I can't give it the hearty vote of approval that I wish I could. Also the vegetable tamale, while a success for Fe. and probably for other little ones is a bit bland for the adults in the family.

I want to try, must try, in fact, the Tocino Especial -- melted cheese with bacon! -- because I'm certain it must be extraordinary. I mean, right?

La Super-Rica
622 N. Milpas Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
805-963-4940


4 comments:

Monique said...

I want it all over again right now!!

Sharmon said...

I've never been. Must go now. So thanks for that. Xoxo

PMF said...

reLove your "A Jaunt Up the Coast' - all three parts.
The picture of Fe is pretty darn good too. He must be quite the gourmet.

Thanks for the lovely jaunt,

PMF

Helen said...

Relived many lovely memories. Hope to do this trip again very soon. Thanks a lot for your contribution.