As we were leaving to go out for dinner tonight, I realized that I have neglected to comment on my hometown dining experiences, and specifically the restaurant we generally frequent once a week – Rita’s Cafe – aka Rita’s Margaritas and Mexican Grill. Rita’s is one of the many local Mexican restaurants but it is our favorite. We like Rita’s for the food, of course, but also because we always feel like we are dining with friends.
The wait staff knows us by name, promptly brings the sour cream we like to accompany our salsa and chips, knows that I will drink either a Pacifico or sparkling water with lemon and that my husband will order a margarita or a diet Pepsi! Service is friendly, personal and efficient – and obviously a big draw! Efron is usually our server and has helped my husband with his Spanish, talked soccer with my daughter and always “works with me” when I can’t decide what to order. However, the entire wait staff is excellent and the meals consistent – both of which keep us going back week after week.
I believe a GraTRUEity is long overdue!
Now – in case you are wondering about options other than Rita’s, our local dining scene is fairly diverse and ever-evolving. In years past, Eureka and greater Humboldt County were known for fishing and timber – and the restaurants reflected these industries. The most famous restaurants 30-40 years ago were Lazio’s Seafood and Samoa Cookhouse (family style dining at a local lumber mill), the latter of which is still in operation.
Over the years, Humboldt County has become known for a different type of industry – as depicted in the movie Humboldt County released this past summer. In all seriousness, though, we have many local farmers growing wonderful produce, ranches producing organic dairy products and grass fed beef and an ever-increasing number of wineries. It naturally follows that many local restaurants feature these products on their menus. In addition, some of these products have received national attention – such as Cypress Grove Humboldt Fog cheese.
In case you’re ever planning to visit this area, here are some other recommendations:
Restaurant 301, Avalon, Abbruzzi, Folie Douce, Larrupin Cafe, Hurricane Kate’s, Brio, Los Bagels (best bagels anywhere!)
GraTRUEities™ 