149 East Center Street (Route 491)
Monticello, Utah, 84535
Phone: (435) 587-2440
Serving Breakfast, Lunch& Dinner
Wednesday is Mexican Food NightParking lot full, parking on the street stretches from the corner and past the restaurant, patient patrons sit or stand inside the entry way waiting. That’s right, it’s Mexican Night at the R & F Restaurant! Locals plan on this special night of dining, tourists are very lucky they were directed here, or just stopped in.
Ray and Fana Arballo, with the help of Gen Atencio, have been serving up their version of diner comfort food for nine years now; but Wednesday has always been the special night. Fana admits that they tried doing the specials twice a week, but then it just was not very special anymore. Knowing the fresh made, stupendously delicious Mexican delicacies were only available once a week is what the locals enjoyed most; the planning to go out, and looking forward to it. Families, couples, even solos greet each other cheerfully; catch up on local and county news. Fana works her way around the tables greeting everyone, asking everyone is doing, are they enjoying the food. Ray likes being back in the kitchen, but took a moment to come sit with us and talk about R & F.
Ray and Fana were both
born and raised in Monticello, Utah. Being
of Mexican descent (Ray’s mother is from New Mexico of Spanish/Apache descent;
his dad from East LA, but originally Mexico), this trio know how to do it up
homemade and authentic. All meats are
purchased locally through Blue Mountain Meats; Utah’s Own products are
delivered via wholesalers Nicholas and Company; potatoes are pure Idaho born
and raised. Tortillas are cut up and
deep fried for the chips; or lightly deep fried to get the shape for a taco,
then finished up on the grill. Salsa,
served with the chips, is freshly made.
Clean, pure taste of the tomatoes, onions and chile peppers comes on
strong, with medium heat that makes the back of the tongue do the cha-cha.
The Smothered Burrito is a
good one pounder packed with shredded beef or chicken, or ground beef. While both the red and green chile sauce
(medium heat) are delicious on their own, I particularly enjoy the “half and
half” or “Christmas style” which is a generous topping of both sauces. Sides are Spanish Rice, Refried Beans; moist,
flavorful, and the garnish of chopped lettuce and tomatoes simply adds more
texture and flavor. Sour cream is by
request.
Combo Meal |
Sopapilla, a deep fried
tortilla that puffs up, comes with each meal, along with a packet of
honey. I always make sure to leave room
for this treat! Along with the Mexican
specialties, R & F offers its regular menu as well; a salad bar packed with
fresh vegetables and dressings. Homemade
pies are available featuring cherry, blueberry and apple.
Salad Bar |
Mary Cokenour