As most legends, this one too begins with an enigmatic leader fighting for the good of the people. Beginning in 1913 after the murder of his political mentor Abraham Gonzalez, Pancho Villa waged war against the corrupt Mexican government. He was a highly skilled general and the people loved and supported his cause. The men who rode with him were called ‘Villistas’ and they were heroes amongst the people. It is not their legend that I am referring to, but the legend of Las Panchitas (Little Ponchos), the women who rode with Pancho Villa.
Little is mentioned of them in the pages of history. They are not portrayed in glorious paintings (except maybe in the foreground), but they were nevertheless vital to the revolution. They carried weapons but often did not fight, their roles played out behind the scenes. They cooked the meals for the camp, provided medical attention to the wounded and gathered the supplies. The legend of Las Panchitas is not one of heroic acts but about those who propelled the heroes to glory.
In North Lake Tahoe there is a place that carries on the tradition of such legendary food. Dave Busch opened the doors of Las Panchitas on January 7, 1983. The menu features a mixture of recipes representing the northern region of Mexico, all of which were adapted from the 1950s taco vendors that graced the streets of southern California.
Having been in the restaurant business for more than thirty years, Dave brings to his customers a certain ambiance that is often overlooked in chain restaurants. You feel welcomed at his tables, his staff is attentive and the food is excellent! You are treated as though you were an old friend coming to dinner. At the end of your meal you can expect the waiter to ask ‘how was your meal?’ and you know the question is genuine.
There are daily specials. For example a one-item combo for $5.45 or a two-item combo for $7.45. They also offer an early bird special – 25 percent off any combo from 4 to 6 p.m. The early bird specials at the bar include $3 Margaritas, $3 Dos Esquis (16 oz draft) and $3 small nachos or quesadilla.
Las Panchitas is open from 11:30 a.m. to10 p.m. daily. Unfortunately at this time they do not take reservations or offer events catering, however they do offer the entire menu for to-go orders.
I have had the opportunity to visit this restaurant on several occasions, however on recent visit was able to enjoy a meal with my family. I have two young boys who are not finicky eaters by any means but can be very particular in their meal decisions. Without even opening the menu I already knew what both of them would order. My oldest will eat almost anything as long as it is smothered in cheese and my youngest son is All-American in his tastes. So it was no surprise they ordered a chicken quesadilla and a cheese burger (yes they offer the ol’ American cheeseburger and fries). My husband and I were a little more traditional and ordered the Las Panchitas Special and a chicken tostada.
While waiting for the meal to arrive our sons enjoyed the fruit punch (guava) they ordered as we partook in the house salsa (which is just spicy enough without calling the fire department) and tortilla chips.
It wasn’t long before our waiter was delivering our dinners. The boys were wide-eyed when their plates arrived and wasted no time in beginning the meal. My oldest paused long enough to say, ‘This is really good.’
My husband’s Las Panchitas special was a chorizo enchilada with rice and beans. He had never had a chorizo enchilada before and was very pleased! Having come from a Hispanic background and growing up in southern California, he has developed quite the palette for Mexican cuisine and was pleasantly surprised with the traditional aspects of the recipe.
My tostada was enormous, filled with lettuce, tomato, guacamole, beans, chicken and topped with cheese and sour cream. The chicken was cooked in an array of spices giving it a succulent flavor that blended well with the vegetables and the sour cream. The tostada shell was crunchy and flaky and I was so full I was forced to ask for a to-go box. By the end of the meal we were beyond satisfied. Would we as a family recommend a visit? Absolutely!
Las Panchitas, 8345 North Lake Blvd, Kings Beach, 530-546-4539
