Monday, November 19, 2007

A Little Trip to Mexico...

Tonight, Becca and I ate at the only authentic Mexican restaurant that I know of in Peoria, Mi Familia. If they only had margaritas it would be happening place. If you weren't looking for it, you would miss it. It's a true hole in the wall. It is linked physically and financially with La Esquinita, a Mexican grocery store.

I ordered two Chorizo and Avocado Sopes and two Lengua Tacos. They were served with the traditional red and green salsas. Sopes are little masa boats that have been fried and filled with various ingredients. In my research, sopes are often finger food served on the street in many areas of Mexico. Mi Familia tops them generously with the "works" so that you have to eat them with a fork. The sopes were delicious albeit a bit greasy from the chorizo. The lengua, cooked very simply, was very tender. Mexican food is often cooked with few spices and served with various condiments to allow the diner to control the heat. Our bill was $7.50. If you plan on using credit card, you will get a receipt that you take to the grocery store next door to pay.

Before I recommend running off to dine at Mi Familia, I should warn you that it is VERY authentic and their idea of sanitation is different from American restaurants (e.g. you will receive salsa that has been served to other guests - it is etiquette to use the spoons provided in the salsa rather than dipping things in it). I have become slightly ill after eating here a couple of times. Nothing serious, but just something to keep in mind. I go back, however, because it is truly the only authentic Mexican food in Peoria. If you like Carlos O' Kelly's, La Fiesta, or El Whatever Rancherito, you won't like this place. If you are brave at heart please go check this place out. It's the best thing you will find short of traveling to a place with a greater Mexican population.

cheers.

PS. Also, it's been several hours and we feel fine!



7 comments:

Anonymous said...

We frequent Mi Familia for the authenticity of food and atmosphere. It's not as good as eating in Mexico, but it doesn't make me sick like eating in Mexico either. Not that it would stop me; some things are just worth it. The meat in the grocery store is perfect for Mexican cooking too. Now if we could only get one authentic Chinese place. I don't care how dirty or divey, I would go. Beats having to drive to Chicago's chinatown.

Kevin Lowe said...

I like the idea of authentic Mexican food. I dislike the idea of becoming slightly ill after dining. However, I'm die-hard enough to risk it, I suppose. But, no margaritas? That might be the deal breaker. I usually head to Vallarta's on Main for the combo of food and cheap booze. Thanks for the review and great pics!

Kevin Lowe said...

Ooops . . . meant to say Vallarta's in Peoria on University.

Chef Kevin said...

Keith -

Have you made it to Walt Dos yet? Maybe not quite as authentic as Mi Fam, but I've never been ill afterwards, either.

Keith Shank said...

No, I haven't been to Walt Dos. I will absolutely make it a priority. Keep an eye out for and upcoming post. I am looking forward to it. Thanks for the reminder.

Keith

Anonymous said...

I ate at Mi Familia for the first time recently. I move to Peoria from Chicago a little more then a year ago, and going into Mi Familia reminded me of some of the taco and burrito joints I love in Chicago. The food was great and pricing is pretty good too. I didn't get sick after eating there.

Anonymous said...

I've probably eaten at Mi Familia 15 times in the last 2-1/2 years and have never been even remotely ill. I've also lived in Houston, San Diego, Albuquerque and LA and know Mexican food. This is the best in Peoria, and well worth the experience.