With her always handy camera, Avery captures all the hottest happenings in Portland.
May 23, 2009
El Rayo Taqueria opens with lines & Watermelon Refresco
The much anticipated El Rayo Taqueria opened Friday at the corner of York & High, and today Adam and I headed over for lunch. What did we find? A former gas station transformed into an instant foodie hotspot.
With all the buzz about this California-influenced Mexican joint, Adam and I waited until almost 2 pm to show up. It didn't matter. The place was slammed. As we stood in line, more people piled up behind us until the line stretched out the door. According to Erin of Type A Diversions, the queue was out the door yesterday as well.
The restaurant is the work of a group of local foodies, including Tod Dana. His wife, Lorie, was busy busing tables and chatting with customers, but indulged me in a quick photo. She says they plan to start serving dinner next week and will soon reseal and stripe the parking lot, which will force them to close for a couple days. Right now they are just doing lunch.
Adam and I enjoyed everything we ordered. This drink is the non-alcoholic Watermelon Refresco. It was crisp and tangy, and not at all cloying. The vegetarian rice and beans at left and the Verduras taco with roasted vegetables at right were both delicious. Adam ordered a Dos Equis and a Pollo burrito, which he said was one of the best chicken burritos he's eaten.
Frozen margaritas will come soon, and there's a decent selection of tequila and rum drinks, plus a series of tequila flights. We both were impressed with the delicate, warm tortillas, the bold sauces, the harbor view and the prompt service. It won't be long before we jump back in line at this exciting addition to Portland's fabulous food scene.
Comments
Burrito wasn't bad, but my friends and I had to wait *45* minutes for take out. The kitchen is very disorganized, so try to avoid the lunch rush.
Calling Gordon Ramsay!!
Posted by JMay 29, 2009 01:49 PM
I LOVE this place! The food was really good and fresh fresh fresh! I got my Steak burrito in 12 minutes and my snake bite (thats a drink) in lightning speed. And the best thing is it's 1 block from my house. Can't wait for dinner!
Posted by GreggMay 31, 2009 07:11 AM
Nope. Horrible. Overpriced filler with no flavor. Chips and tortillas are store bought.
Posted by ElvaJune 9, 2009 12:36 PM
Just incase you didn't realize it wasn't real Mexican Taqueria Food they have put an "Americano Taco" on the menu. Putting ground meat in a taco is like serving chop suey to Chinese. The food is over the top expensive for the smallest portions this side of the border. The food was nothing like a "real" down and dirty taqueria. It makes you feel sad b/c it says something about what the owners think of Mainers. "They aren't brave enough to eat the real thing and they will pay $20 dollars for just enough inauthentic food to leave you wanting more." They will only survive b/c real mexican cooks are waiting for their working papers and not able to open up yet in Portland.
Posted by EricJune 11, 2009 01:32 AM
Go Lori! It was Fantastic.... BTW- to "Eric"- My husband is from California and is quite famliar with Authentic Mexican food, and Aside from Carne Asada, Ground beef is frequently used in genuinely "Mexican" food, as is Goat, Fish and other such non-traditional sounding fillings. I thought the Tacos were FANTASTIC, although I have not yet had the opportunity to get a drink, but I have heard they are GREAT.
It is really too bad that there is such a great divide between the positive and the negative when it comes to Restaurant Critique. Every one seems to be so hyper-critical and instead of offering Constructive criticism, they offer rudeness. We have experienced this in our own restaurant. Lets let foodies be foodies and Restauranteurs be restauranteurs. Enjoy it or don't.
June 14, 2009 06:26 PM
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Latest Comments
leer 127 commented: this is dope really dont get in to portland to much but this is sick. from ...
Kristy commented: I'm never going back. Terrible service followed by bland, overpriced food....
Michelle commented: Thanks for the article, Avery! I linked it on Goodwill's FB page!...
Gia commented: How refreshing to find homemade breads and the freshest ingredients in town...
Martha Bryon commented: NEW HOURS! We will now be open from 12:00 to 2:30 for Lunch and from 5:30 ...
kevin commented: Had a enjoyable time not to loud nice people @ wait staff... I would go bac...
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Looks yummy, thanks for the write up!
Posted by MichelleMay 27, 2009 09:53 AM