Finding a Food Gem
Posted
Tue, 12/12/06
Wilbert and I made a wonderful find about two weeks ago. We were running around on errands when we passed by De Leon Foods on 102 East Francis Avenue in Spokane. We were both eager to check out the place. My husband is Hispanic, so he was keen to see their food items on hand. He has many memories of the cuisine in his childhood, which he in turn learned from his mother.
De Leon Foods is rather large, as compared to other ethnic food shops, and very clean. Employees are friendly and helpful, and the store's prices are comparable with big food chains such as Fred Meyer and Safeway. De Leon has a fresh deli, butcher, bakery and tortilla factory.
The store also includes Mexican pottery, dishes, pots, pans and traditional items used for making Mexican dishes.
We tried out the deli – tamales and Gorditas – and were again suitably impressed. We both loved the food – very tasty, and obviously fresh. We sampled the "rice water" which is actually an icy, milky drink. The Mexican name for the beverage is Horchata (rice-based water). I found a recipe for the drink at Mex-Things (web site now defunct). Wonderful stuff!
Horchata (Rice Water)
1 C uncooked white long-grain rice
Pour rice and water into the bowl of a blender; blend until rice just begins to break up, about one minute. Allow rice and water to stand at room temperature for about three hours. Strain rice water into a pitcher; discard the rice. Stir milk, vanilla, cinnamon and sugar into rice water. Chill and stir before serving over ice. Recipe makes about six cups.
I told Wilbert I'd make homemade tamales for New Year's, and I will definitely be getting the ingredients from De Leon. We'll also be returning to the deli on a regular basis.
Check out De Leon Foods – the place is great.
Tags: Beverages;
Grocery Stores;
Mexico
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