One Of Julia Child's All-Time Favorite Spots To Eat Was This Famed Taqueria In Santa Barbara - Tasting Table

La Super-Rica Taqueria is a small roadside restaurant in Santa Barbara, California, opened in 1980 and founded by Isidoro González. The restaurant remains family-run and became a local favorite for authentic Mexican ingredients and flavors, including handmade tortillas. In 1985, Julia Child promoted the taqueria on morning television, bringing national attention. She later became a fan of the simple but perfect tacos, including options such as chorizo, pork, beef, or rajas. Her endorsement led to a feature in Gourmet Magazine, increasing popularity among locals, tourists, and culinary connoisseurs. The restaurant is cash-only and counter-service, and lines remain common, requiring planning to get a seat.

"La Super-Rica Taqueria is a small roadside eatery that opened in 1980. It was founded by Isidoro González and is still family-run today. Super-Rica quickly became a local favorite with authentic Mexican ingredients and flavors, and handmade tortillas. Then, in 1985, Child put it on a national stage by singing its praises on morning television interview."

"The cookbook author was originally from Southern California and moved back there for the final years of her life, during which she became a big fan of the joint's simple but perfect tacos with chorizo, pork, beef, or rajas. Her public endorsement of the humble establishment even led to a feature in Gourmet Magazine."

"Suddenly, one of the most laid-back, affordable restaurants in Santa Barbara was a sensation not just among locals but tourists and culinary connoisseurs. Lines formed out the door, and they haven't died down since. To this day, it may take some planning ahead to ensure you grab a seat at the cash-only, counter-service joint."

"Part of the reason Julia Child became such a culinary icon is that she was so relatable. Dishes weren't always extravagant, and restaurants didn't require exclusivity. She just appreciated good food made with love and great ingredients. So, you can count on her recommendation that La Super-Rica Taqueria is one of the best places to get tacos in Southern California - and those famed tacos are very reasonably priced, to boot."

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