Balls and Walnuts
more than you ever wanted to know
Makes Lola’s look like the 7-11
Here in Bako, I’ve found an Indian market, two Chinese markets, a Middle Eastern market, a Vietnamese market. I was beginning to despair of ever finding a market like Lola’s in Santa Rosa, where I could always find a quick and tasty meal for dinner, whether it be perfect tamales or a savory hunk of carnitas. The other day, I mentioned this to my medical assistant. Today, she brought me an ad for Pro’s Ranch Market.
Pro's Ranch Market, the Caesar's Palace of Mexican Groceries
Wandering Pro’s Ranch Market, I felt the same way I do whenever I visit Powell’s Books in Portland: I could spend all night here. I was already running late, though, so I hadn’t the time to look over the outdoor cocina, barely skimmed the offerings of the indoor cocina, and generally did a poor job exploring this wonderful place. I did notice at least four types of homemade mole (and chose the Oaxacan mole, which I hope is mild!), three different styles of chorizo, and a huge tray of pig snouts. In the pastry section, I rejoiced at finding a sweet potato pie. Yes, we’ve already tried it. Yes, it’s delish.
Un-adventurously I bought chile relleno and tamales, the sweet potato pie, wedding cookies and bunuelos (flour tortillas deep-fried and dusted with sugar and cinnamon). I goggled at the various organ meats and fresh yogurt and enormous slabs of flan and bushels of dried chiles . . .
I’ll let you know how the chicken in Oaxacan mole comes out.
D.
Damn, I’m hungry now. Unfortunately for me, Chris doesn’t care for Mexican food. Although maybe it’s just the Tex-Mex we get up this way.
On the other hand, you guys probably get awesome seafood, while I can’t trust anything that isn’t fresh-frozen.