I spent the morning studying an old photograph Steve has in his collection. It shows a couple of businesses on the south side of the 300 block of East Seventh Street. We think this photograph was taken in the late 1940s or early 1950s. I am drawn to this photograph because of one particular business, the Hanford Fish Market.
I have numerous recollections of going to the Fish Market with Mom. She purchased either a whole fish or fillets (sand dabs were a favorite) that would be steamed with Chinese fermented black beans, ginger, and green onions for our dinner. We left the market with our fish carefully wrapped in newspaper. Sometimes my siblings and I received a special treat from the proprietors, a piece of Botan rice candy â a soft chewy candy with an outer layer of rice paper. The rice paper is clear and cellophane-like when dry but it is edible and melts in the mouth. The dissolving rice paper never ceased to thrill me.
Due to my diet, I donât eat out much these days, but I recently did and thought Iâd share some Latino flare for those on the lookout for some new eateries in 2021.
Being Mexican-American, I grew up with a mother who knew how to throw down in the kitchen with plenty of incredible meals (and the occasional questionable ones) such as pozole, gorditas and enchiladas. Itâs a definite treat whenever I get to visit and she cooks some of these flavorful dishes.
Whenever I crave any of them, I always look for authentic restaurants that can come close to momâs cooking. Sorry, but none have beaten her yet. But in the search of childhood nirvana, Iâve stumbled across a couple of local restaurants that hold their own.