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In the past three years, that I have been at
Ohio State, I have probably walked down High Street over a
thousand times, and yet I have never ventured into La Bamba's
Mexican restaurant. Having seen it hundred's of times, I have
been hesitant to enter. There has been something holding me
back, but what? Being of Mexican descent, I have always been
highly selective of the Mexican restaurants that I patronage.
Many of these "Mexican" restaurants claim to serve
authentic Mexican cuisine, but do they really?
Can any of them truly capture the taste of mi abuela's homemade
tortillas de harina (flour tortillas)? My dad's frijoles (beans),
which could cure all problems in the world? Or how about the
careful preparation put into the arroz, making sure that it
comes out fluffy, but not mushy? The answer mis amigos, is
yes, La Bamba's can. La Bamba's has been serving this campus
community since 1991. It has been relocated only once- to
the other side of McDonald's- and has been happily serving
the Latino community for many years.
Diversity has been a key initiative at Ohio State, and inside
of La Bamba's you can see a push forward. Upon entering the
establishment, I immediately noticed Latinos and gringos sitting
side by side in harmony, enjoying each other's company. Inside
of La Bamba's there are two televisions, one tuned into CNN,
and the other into the Spanish channel. The television reminded
me of my abuela's telenovelas (Spanish soap operas) that she
loved. Intrigued by the televisions, I began to look around,
and to my pleasant surprise saw a mixture of Anglo and Latino
culture. There is a delightful mural of The Ohio State University
football team, with burrito-shaped heads! The restaurant also
had southwestern designs on the walls. I was filled with pride,
as I looked around me and saw the green, white, and red of
Mexico's flag.
As I approached the counter, my nerves hit me, but the staff
was extremely friendly. As I perused the menu, trying to figure
out what to order, I noticed the variety in their menu. La
Bamba's is known for its burritos, but they also have quesadillas,
taco, salads, and they even have horchata. At La Bamba's you
build your own burrito; your choice of meat (chicken, steak,
pork or combination), and toppings (avocado is extra). I chose
the special #1, a combination plate of a mini-burrito (I didn't
think I was ready to conquer the super burrito), rice and
beans, plus lemonade to drink. I ordered a burrito de pollo
with jalapenos, onions, green peppers, tomatoes, lettuce,
cheese, and sour cream. When I received my plate less than
five minutes after I ordered, I was excited to see a plate
piled high with arroz y refritos, and a not so mini-burrito.
I was given salsa, and when I asked if it was hot, they gave
me the "behind the counter" hot salsa.
I sat down in a booth facing the television to eat my meal.
First I tested the mild salsa, tasty but not hot enough, then
I tasted the hot salsa, whoo -hee, I think this salsa would
have even sent my dad looking for the leche. After quenching
the fire, with my tasty lemonade I began to eat my lunch.
I blended the salsas to create a just right hotness, and drizzled
it on my food. I bit into my not so mini-burrito (it took
two hands to hold), and my taste buds went into overload.
The meat was tender and flavorful, the tortilla was scrumptious,
and the toppings were very fresh. I could taste the careful
preparation in this burrito, and it was wrapped so well that
it did not come undone. The beans were fresh, and the rice
reminded me of my very own- perfect in everyway. It was hot
and fluffy, and complimented my burrito nicely. The food was
so filling that I could not eat the entire plate.
I stepped into the ladies room, and was amazed at its immaculate
condition. When I walked back out into the dining room I was
greeted again, in Spanish by the bilingual staff. As I was
putting my tray away preparing to leave, I looked at the trashcan,
and noticed that in Spanish it said thanks. It was the perfect
ending to a delicious meal. I strongly recommend La Bamba's
restaurant, not only are they inexpensive, they have a friendly
home like atmosphere.
I rated it 4 ½ jalapenos.
Side Notes:
76 seating
booth and tables
wheelchair accessible
non-smoking
amex, masc, visa, buckid, cash
chain restaurant (ILL, IND, WIS, KY, OH)
Hours:
SU 11AM-12AM
MO 11AM-12AM
TU 11AM-2:30AM
WED 11AM-2: 30AM
THUR 11AM-3AM
FRI 11AM-3AM
SAT 11AM-3AM
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