That age-old aphorism clearly described our gathering on Wednesday, January 22, at El Rancho Grande. This fine establishment is owned and operated by the Meza Family who welcomed our group of Connect Providians with open arms, warm smiles, and unbelievable food.

A great crowd turned out for the cooked-from-scratch Pueblo meal and Sakonnet wines. El Rancho Grande, located just outside the center of Olneyville, served up homemade chips with salsa and guacomole poblano to start. The Meza family followed with a parade of goodies, including a melt in your mouth mole poblano, shrimp or camarones done several different ways, and tamales of various kinds. The list goes on and needless to say, most people stuffed themselves silly trying everything. For those unfamiliar with mole, it is a pueblo specialty and contains a chocolate base. What a great excuse to have chocolate for a main course! The tamales oaxaquenos were melt in your mouth goodness with the plum and olive adding a little kick. Maria started the business with the active encouragement and support from her children and grandchildren. Their warm smiles, great service and amazing food make for a winning combination. A native of Pueblo, Maria and her son, Joaquin Meza Jr, source authentic hard-to-find ingredients directly from Mexico. The art on the wall is by a local Pueblo artist. Since opening in 2007, the restaurant has been featured in the Providence Phoenix, Motif Magazine, Providence Journal and Jen’s Dish.

Sakonnet Vineyards took over the bar. Craig, their very knowledgeable representative, served up some of the local vineyard’s wines: Rhode Island Red, Vidal Blanc and Sakonnet’s estate Chardonnay. Besides wines, Craig informed us of the festivals and other sales and events which the vineyards, located in Little Compton, puts on. Check out their website for more information.

Everyone I spoke with said they’d be back. If you are looking for the real deal, do not look any further. El Rancho Grande will cater, does take-out, has a children’s menu, and is doing a special Valentine’s Day event. The food is very affordable and the menu is available online.

Comments are closed.