By Priya Hutner ·
Las Panchitas has been serving up family style Mexican food in the Kings Beach area for almost 25 years. On a recent visit, owner Alex Brambila suggested that I try the Chile Relleno, which, if done well, I know can be tasty. The family hails from Tamazulita in the Jalisco region of Mexico.
Tim Hauserman, a fellow writer at The Tahoe Weekly, joined me for lunch. We explored what Las Panchitas had to offer. Our server, Alberto Biero, suggested the Combo Fajitas for Tim and I went with the Chile Relleno. In the meantime, a basket of tortilla chips arrived with two housemade salsas, a tomato-based salsa and my favorite, a spicy Chile Verde sauce.
House specialties include the Combo Fajitas and Chile Rellenos ·
Alberto also served two house margarita specialties, sans the tequila, being we both had to work; Tim had a Strawberry Margarita and I had a Mango Margarita. Both were tasty; I’m thinking they would have been extra fab with a shot of Tequila and some Grand Marnier or Cointreau. Las Panchitas serves Margarita’s by the glass or pitcher and has a variety of top shelf margarita’s to choose from.
The Chile Relleno served with rice and beans ·
Las Panchitas fries up their tortilla chips in the back of the house, and they were fresh and crispy. The Chile Verde Salsa was great. If I had chosen my usual Mexican fare, I would have ordered a Christmas Tree Burrito with lots of green salsa, but alas Alex’s recommendation did not disappoint. It was some of the best Chile Relleno I’ve had since moving to the Tahoe area. Served with a side of rice and beans, I was pleased with my choice as it had just the right amount of spice and flavor.
The Combo Fajitas with shrimp, steak and chicken ·
Tim enjoyed his Fajitas, which was served with marinated shrimp, steak and chicken in sautéed peppers and onions, with a choice of flour or corn tortillas and a side of Las Panchitas own guacamole (I could have eaten a bowl of this with chips).
“This is really good,” Tim exclaimed after his first bite. He ate most of his dish, only sharing a small taste with me.
The menu is large and offers a variety of Mexican fare to choose from. There are also a number of vegetarian choices. The prices are great and the portions are ample.
The lunch specials include a choice of a Taco, Cheese Enchilada, Bean & Cheese Burrito or Tostada for $5.95 for one or $7.95 for two, and all of the lunch specials come with a side of rice and beans and chips and salsa. The staff was delightful and I look forward to another visit to Las Panchitas in the future.
Located across from the beach at 8345 N. Lake Blvd. in Kings Beach. For more information, call (530) 546-4539 or visit laspanchitas.com.
Priya Hutner is a writer, health and wellness consultant, and natural foods chef. Her business, The Seasoned Sage, focuses on wellness, conscious eating and healthy living. She offers healthy organic meals for her clients. She may be reached at pria78@gmail.com or visit theseasonedsage.com. Visit TheTahoeWeekly.com to read more Tastes columns.
