Making up more than 30% of the population of Hood River County, Latino culture plays an important role in the valley. Dating back over 100 years, many generations have contributed to the area’s success as an agricultural hub and regional center. “Latino culture is very much alive in the Hood River Valley,” says Martha Verduzco-Ortega, founder of the Hood River Latino Network. “We share the joy and we love to embrace our culture.” The Latino Festival, an annual family-friendly event, celebrates the community with music, games and traditional food in August, but you can still get a taste of Latino heritage at the many eateries year-round. “I like to try the food carts first,” says Arturo Leyva, event and communications director for the Latino Network. “They usually have the most authentic food.” FOOD TRUCKS & CARTS Verduzco-Ortega says the chicken flautas at downtown T-Quito El Hambre are a must. Look for a black food cart with a flashing rainbow sign. “[It has] chicken flautas in a big cup, and they’re dipped in a green sauce with salsa and sour cream.” Taqueria Los Hermanos, a bright-green truck in the Heights neighborhood, is the go-to stop for the best tortas, says Leyva. Fluffy telera rolls are stacked with refried beans, avocado, mozzarella cheese and other toppings, and your choice of meats like carnitas, tripe and chicken. The truck also dishes up burritos, tacos and quesadillas, served with a signature blistered jalapeno on the side. Both Verduzco-Ortega and Leyva agree that nearby Bendiciones is best known for its sopitos, or sopes. Fresh masa discs are topped with beans, meat, cotija cheese and fresh vegetables — try the carne asada or barbacoa. Street-style tacos and quesabirria are fan favorites, too. RESTAURANTS Hood River Taqueria has been a longtime staple in the Heights neighborhood, and Leyva says he loves to visit for its tacos al pastor made with beef, pork and crushed pineapple. Diners enjoy a strawberry margarita under towering trees and string lights on the laid-back outdoor patio. Inside, they sit among a variety of vibrant murals. Ricardo Lopez, who runs nearby El Cuate, is passionate about delivering on great flavor. He opened his food cart in 2015 and then opened a restaurant in 2020. “I’ve been working in the restaurant business for a long time, even before I opened my business. I learned what people like,” says Lopez. That means birria burritos and a torta Cubana featuring a mixture of meats, with jack cheese and organic greens. “The vegetables for my salsa are from my garden. I pick wheelbarrows of tomatoes and bring them to the restaurant,” he says. Lopez also says he grinds his own meat and makes fresh tortillas for his tacos. Chicken & Teriyaki, also in the Heights, pleases all appetites with both chicken teriyaki and Mexican specialties on the menu. It’s known for having the best mole in town and homemade tortillas. Leyva says it’s all in the ingredients they use. “I’ve tasted Celebrating Mexican Culture Through Food MOLLY ALLEN (3) T-Quito El Hambre Ixtapa 26 Visit Hood River Travel Guide
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