On a stretch of North Division dominated by Chinese restaurants, EL MERCADO DEL PUEBLO is easily spotted by its colorful mural on the side of the building. Open since Jan. 9, this Mexican grocery store and bakery is bright, clean and stocked with colorful piñatas, cookware and every Mexican staple you can imagine.
“I got tired of driving to Pasco for Mexican food goods,” explains Fred Meyer, who owns the market along with his wife Gilda, whose family is from Mexico.
One of the highlights of the market is the on-site bakery. The shelves are stocked with sweet treats like the hot pink and yellow pan de dulce, cream-filled conchas, crusty piedras, muffins, cookies and coconut candies. Bolillos, the irresistible crispy-chewy sandwich rolls, are available too. Sweet, rich tres leches cakes are available whole or by the slice.
The same kitchen also turns out a variety of tamales, including chicken, beef, pork and jalapeño-cheese. Served hot and ready to eat, the jalapeño-cheese tamales have just the right kick, and the beef tamales simmered in red sauce are tender and equally flavorful. They’re just as good reheated and, at $1.75 each, make a great, portable lunch. Coconut, pineapple and other sweet tamales will be offered, too. Menudo — a traditional tripe, hominy and chili soup — will be featured on Saturdays. Bring your own soup pot, and they’ll fill it up.
The fresh produce section includes everything you need to make your own salsa, including tomatillos, cilantro and several kinds of fresh chilies. Or choose one of El Mercado’s fresh salsas, made from Gilda’s family recipes. Look for fresh roasted corn on the cob later in the year. You’ll also find Mexican cheeses and chorizo.
Behind the 15 barrels of dried chilies, you’ll find a full line of spices and Latin coffees. The snack section features candies, dried mangoes and pork cracklings.
“We have a love for Mexican food, so why not do it?” says Meyer.
We’re glad they took the initiative. — KIRSTEN HARRINGTON
El Mercado del Pueblo, 1814 N. Division, is open Mon-Sat 7 am-6 pm, Sun noon-5 pm. Call 327-2856.
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