Richard's Mexican--Serving up Healthy Options on World Food Day

3301 Menaul (West of Carlisle) in American Square. 505-881-1039. Mon-Sat 8am-3:30pm.

Richard's is innovative, and proud of it. Besides earning the title of 

"The Original Mexican Health Food Restaurant" they were the first restaurant to order our Oxfam materials for World Food Day. When I popped into Richard's to ask if they'd like to participate, I had the pleasure of meeting the whole staff. Karla Viramontes, the owner, treated me like royalty. I think if I'd been hungry on that Monday, I would have eaten everything on the menu. After getting their vegetarian taco, Karla offered for me to sample some of their signature chile relleno tacos. I can still hear her voice offering more and more. Perhaps a tamale? Wouldn't you like some vegetarian posole? No? Then I'm sure you'll want our chile con queso enchiladas. What I did try was definitely a winner. The vegetarian taco consists of a lentils and brown rice meat substitute that really hits the spot. I was half-way through eating before I realized I should take a photo. 

And of course, nothing would be complete here without green chile. The chile at Richard's is fresh and local, straight from the chile pods of Macia Valley. They also use local, romaine lettuce and canola oil instead of lard. Karla prides herself on the fresh ingredients served in every meal. "No fillers in that guacamole," she adds.  

Although I couldn't try any of the meat options (still going strong with Meatless Mondays!), Karla spoke highly of their award-winning carne adovada and red chile pork tamales.  But don't just take her and my word for it. Check out what other people are saying on urbanspoon--129 voters weighing in with a four out of five star rating. 

Interested in Richard's for lunch but another World Food Day restaurant for dinner? Check out our list of 13 participating restaurants to support local on October 16th.

by Jasmine McBeath