07/19/2011 - QC Foodie - La Rancherita

What an amazing summer it has been so far!  I've been to or hosted some cook-outs, attended two out of the four weddings, so far, to which I'm invited, and was lucky enough to munch my way through Chicago at the Taste.  Yesterday I attended a huge traditional Mexican wedding.  I just love cultural weddings.  I attended a Greek wedding several years ago here in the Quad Cities and was practically in a state of wedded bliss myself, falling in love with the spanakopita, moussaka, pastitsio, and baklava followed by lively dancing in a circle.  I have also attended a Jewish wedding in Michigan where they went under the chuppa, broke a wine glass and the reception began with the wedding challah. I also attended a Muslim wedding in Chicago with henna'ed girls and Indian food, specifically Hyderbadi Biryani and other delicious dishes.  If you're planning a big-fat (insert culture here) wedding, I would be honored to be one of your guests.  Haha!

Yesterday at the wedding reception we ate carnitas, carne guisado, a salad of nopales or cactus, rice, beans, cole-slaw salad and grabbed pre-assembled packs of warm tortillas in aluminum foil to create our own tacos.  The food was wonderful, the Mariachi band was an elegant touch and it was a great way to begin a life together.  Salud to the new couple!

My fiancee and I have been eating out even during the busy summer event schedule. We took my daughters to La Rancherita where I affirmed my decision to list them as the number-one chunky-style (pico de gallo) salsa in the Quad Cities. All of our food was great and the restaurant was incredibly busy the Friday night we were there. I would make some specific recommendations on what to try but I think you can't go wrong no matter what you order. Remember, they only accept cash!

My goal is to get to the Phoenix in Davenport and the Taj Oriental in Moline soon.  Feel free to checkout my Facebook page, follow me on Twitter,  or visit my blog to let me know what's happening in the Quad City food scene.