February 25, 2011

Being from Texas, I have been spoiled by the abundance of Latin flavor found around every corner, and, inevitably, have been unimpressed with what Mexican food my new Midwestern home has to offer.

That is, until I made my first visit to El Rancho this week.

This local favorite is an authentic and tasty escape from the otherwise mediocre Mexican cuisine our small college town has to offer. Open as late as 3 a.m., it is an exciting alternative to your typical boring array of late night munchies options.

**10:25 p.m.: culture clash**

As I walked into El Rancho, I immediately noticed the unique authenticity its atmosphere offered. A combination of loud colors intertwined tributes to the cultures of both Mexico and Columbia, creating its unique aesthetic identity. The bright blue and green walls featured mariachi-playing children alongside paintings of Memorial Union, the columns, downtown and sombrero-wearing tigers. The window overlooking East Broadway is lined with twinkling Christmas lights, and piñatas and streamers hang from the bright blue ceiling.

A few of the tables were occupied with small groups of college-aged friends quietly enjoying steaming plates of fajitas and colorful beverages in a laid-back, familiar atmosphere.

Heard over the upbeat tempo of Mexican pop music were the sounds of Latin dialect coming from behind the counter as the cooks playfully teased a disgruntled female worker to cheer her up. I sat down with my tacos and coke near a young man and woman. Their slightly nervous conversation and guarded body language indicated they were on a first or second date, but their empty margarita cups and stacked plates made it obvious they were enjoying each other’s company.

**11:10 p.m.: late-night muchies**

The sounds changed from Spanish banter to loud English giggles and chatter as business picked up and boisterous groups of people filed in. An eclectic looking mix of middle-aged locals joyously greeted two young men with long dreadlocks sitting at a back table, and immediately joined them to devour a plate of nachos, before ordering more food.

The wide, content grins on each of their faces, the focus and attention with which they wolfed down their food and their hazy conversation marked by chronic snickering and random bouts of riotous laughter made it clear just how much they were enjoying their late-night munchies.

**12:40 a.m.: underground lake**

When the counter wasn’t occupied by eager patrons ordering their favorite Mexican dishes, the young charming cooks engaged in friendly Spanish conversation with me. An elderly man with one arm, and not exactly in his right mind, had been bumbling around the restaurant for some time now, chatting up the workers and customers. He approached me and we had a slightly uncomfortable conversation, which included his detailed description of an underground lake.

**1:00 a.m.: peaceful exit**

I took one last look around as I got ready to leave. A shaggy-haired teenage boy, maybe a high school or MU student, wearing glasses and a tie-dyed shirt sat at the counter, gazing through the window into the street with his to-go box and a pack of Camel Turkish Royals sitting in front of him. The couple was still there, looking much more enchanted and comfortable in each other’s presence.

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