For my Yuman friends, you know that last October, I did a first. Almost 40 years old, I finally step foot inside a store that has been quite within walking distance of the high school, back in the days that students were allowed to leave for lunch, or stay for lunch. I walked into Chili Peppers. I had my standard bean and cheese burrito. It was half the size of the burrito that I am used to eating at El Charo over on 8th Street. It was 1/3 the price, so that made it really good.
Then I sat down at my seat. Carol was watching me to see what my reaction would be. Any and every time that we go out and try a Mexican food place, I was in direct comparison to El Charo. This was true even for the summer I spent in the heart of Mexico. (No, I didn’t think the food of El Charo was better than the food I was eating at the roadside taco stand. It was different. I easily downed a dozen tacos in a single sitting. They were tiny, but delicious.) So I took a taste. The burrito tasted identical to that of El Charo. I was jazzed. I was perplexed. I wondered why I hadn’t tried it sooner. Tricia, Sandra, Tracey, and Robert all chided me, and welcomed me to the new addiction. Sorry you 4, we are taking a turn up ahead. Keep reading. I would leave from that Yuma trip with 2 dozen burritos. I was hooked.
When I was talking about going there prior to my epiphany, dad was telling me that yeah, Chili Peppers, Mr. G’s and El Charo were all the same family. He keeps their books. Why wasn’t I told this sooner? I never missed an opportunity to collect Chili Peppers when I can. But more than the burritos I am an even larger fan of my staple by which I judge a Mexican eatery. I love the TAMALE! This is a perfect handy food, unless you like it swimming in the red tamale sauce, which I can go either way.
I have been in some “authentic” Mexican eateries across Southern New Mexico, and I have ordered the tamales. 99% of the time they were either Hormel’s or some other company who would think wrapping the tamale in paper is as good as wrapping them in corn husks. (Here’s a hint, I bought many cans of tamales to get me through Sunday’s lack of food service at the college. I can spot canned tamales.)
Now since Mexican food is probably my favorite, I am always looking for the best I can find. And here is where my upbringing comes into conflict. If you look at a map of Mexico, you will see that the state below Arizona is Sonora. The state below El Paso and New Mexico is Chihuahua. Does this make a difference? You better believe it does. It’s like comparing the deep fried food of Kentucky with that of the Creole food of Louisiana. It’s a world of difference, yet both are American foods.
Unfortunately, Winslow has had Chihuahuan food. I wanted Sonoran food. Then one did open up near a truck stop. The food was decent, except the beans and rice. Beans tasted canned. Rice was soupy. Then someone in passing told me that the old El Torito was open under new management. (Now last time I went, the windows were grimy brown, almost opaque. And it had been 4 years.) So being under new management, I told Carol and she agreed, we needed to try it.
OK, you 4, here is where you are not going to like what I have to say: I BROKE MY CHILI PEPPER/EL CHARO ADDICTION!!! I love El Torito. And as always, I am going to ask about a change in venue, a change in menu to the Ministerial Association as well. Just once, really.
Now the important part: Where is El Torito? El Torito is on Central in Coopertown. Yes this is one of the burbs just south of the tracks in Winslow. As you are entering into Coopertown, you will see a small lot to the right side of the road, just before the church on the leftside, not more than a dozen cars can park here. Beyond that, across the little road is the building of El Torito. It looks like it used to be a house. But the important part is that it’s clean, and the food is great. Veronica is a local gal who used to manage Days Inn. Now she is using her gift of cooking to bless others.
Check this place out. If you are a true fan of Sonoran style food, El Torito is the best. If you want to know what Sonoran food is, then El Torito is the best place to learn. If you like home-made tamales, El Torito is the place for you to eat. You like bean and cheese burritos, or red or green enchiladas with chicken, shredded beef or even ground beef, the El Torito is the place. And of all the Mexican eateries in Navajo county, El Torito has the best food, including the beans and rice.
Eat El Torito. Became a fan of El Torito’s page.
And thanks for sharing with me from the trail. -- smh
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