Usuluteco Restaurant

Usulutecto Restaurant, Wichita, KS

Original Papusas

A family ran restaurant with original recipes handed down from generation to generation. Usuluteco is a gem located in Wichita. It represents hardship and traditional Latin America dishes at it's best. The story of a family coming from Pasadena, CA and making their way to Kansas is a unique one. This family owned restaurant is making a huge name for themselves and holds one of the best restaurants in Wichita. 

German, the son of the owner, displays great customer service. He's in charge of taking down orders, serving, and ringing up the payments. He and I got to talk up a storm relating about both the West coast & Midwest. It's interesting how things work with people as far as their living situation and something so great can come about it! I love it.. anyway back to the food lol

First things first, their golden papusas. What a treasure these are! I haven't seen a price for them so low!! I mean come on for $1.95? as compared to our $3-5 ones?? this is night and day.

Papusas here in Usuluteco are made fresh from scratch so the wait is about 15 mins. You get what you definitely pay for and the taste is authentic. The masa corn tortilla is thick with a moist texture but still maintains it's grilled sides from the griddle. It's sides still have the crispy ends to complement the texture. The pork is cooked thoroughly to refried bean consistency. The chicharrón also maintains it's fresh crisp from the fry to have some snap in each bite. The cheese is melted all the way through and blends so perfect within the meat. The papusas are perfect! As a matter of fact, they were so good, I had to order five! They are addicting and will have you coming back for more. 

This is what a family owned restaurant should be all about. Team work and excellent quality are the keys to a successful business like this Usu is almost like a El Salvadorian diner to me with the style of one and the family-friendly atmosphere that comes with it. Each member of the family is doing their part by taking orders, serving, directing & entertaining, cleaning & cooking, etc. This is why Usu deserves so much credit for what and how they've been able to do here. 

So the next time you make a trip out to Wichita make sure you have a papusa from Usulutecto. Aside from the famous BBQ, these papusas are also a must-have! 

Photo by: Allister de Vera

Usuluteco Restaruant, Wichita, KS

Harbor Fish & Chips

Harbor Fish & Chips, San Jose, CA

Fish N' Chips

Let me make it clear. Harbor is THE best Fish & Chips joint in the Bay Area. period. 

Located on the quiet edge of Bascom & Union Ave, this family owned shop serves only the freshest and most tastiest fish n chips around. The experience is a unique one. The food is prepared right when you order. The fish is dipped in their special batter and is hand rolled and fried as soon as the order is in. The crispy-golden shell of the batter gives a loud snap when taking that bite. The fish itself is full of meat and is thick all around. Forget the typical cod, Harbor's key to success is their special fish of choice (Unfortunately I cannot provide the secret).

I traveled to Seattle last year and ate some of their famous fish n chips but it clearly does not match Harbor's. The size of their fish is almost the size of my arm! their fries are crispy and golden as well so you can enjoy those at the same time. I suggest squeezing fresh lemon on the fish and dipping it with their creamy tartar and malt vinegar. Can't go wrong doing this.

Each family member & employee play their part which creates a 5-star atmosphere. I observed each member carefully and I'm truly impressed. Michael, a friendly member of the team, was wiping down tables, sauce bottles, and talking customers at the same time. He provides a strong bond with the local customers and regulars that come. I saw the owner of the shop and his brother working the fry station, their family members boxing and passing out the entrees, and his son Cody, which he was running the register. 

Harbor is the truth. The recipe never changed and the service is grade-A. This mom & pap shop deserves all the credit it deserves. I guarantee this place will have your moneys worth. Their signature choice of fish and batter is amazing and each fish/dish is cooked the same way and on time. The way things are done here is organized and strictly prepared the same way. This is why I love this place but most of all I can only eat their fish n chips! Cheers!

Photo by: Allister de Vera

Harbor Fish & Chips, San Jose, CA