We're fans of Tio's Mediterranean Grill in San Leandro. One afternoon, while speaking with Jonathan, a co-owner, he told us about another business that he was involved in. It was a small neighborhood grocery store that had a small kitchen in the back. It used to be called Neighborhood Market and that sign still hangs above the business.
However, connected to the awning are two banners proclaiming the name of the business is now Huehue Pronto, offering El Salvadoran, Honduran and Guatemalan dishes. There aren't a lot of groceries in stock, mostly beverages - beer, soda, water, some Tapatio Ramen Noodles in a Cup and other odds and ends.
There were two tables outside the restaurant, and I think three inside. The space is small but bright. There are two screens at the back, above the open view kitchen, probably intended for a menu. My wife went in first to scout while I stayed outside with our dog. She came back out and said that there was no menu and that the woman who she managed to figure out was Jonathan's mom, gave her the menu verbally. Unfortunately, our understanding of Spanish is very rudimentary, and Jonathan's moms English was limited. I'll apologize now for calling her "Jonathan's mom" but I failed to get her name. Then she came out with her cell phone and Jonathan was on the other end. After a quick chat, we placed our order with Jonathan's mom. We still weren't sure what we were doing, and I know that she didn't fully understand what we wanted but that was part of the charm of this experience.
We ordered a bowl of Beef Soup. We ordered Rellenos. We ordered a Lunch Plate. We really weren't sure what we were going to end up with. We got a bottle of Penafiel Pinada to drink. My wife paid at the register at the front of the store and Jonathan's mom went to the kitchen to assemble our order.
We sat at a table, and she brought us out a glass of ice for the soda, flatware and asked if we wanted anything else to drink. I asked f she had any Horchata and she said she thought she might have a little left. I told her not to trouble herself. She then asked if we might like a cocoa. I asked, "hot chocolate?" and she replied caliente chocolate. We asked for one please.
When the food arrived, it came out in several quick trips. We got the:
Beef Soup - 5 - a very clear, flavorful simple broth with chunks of tender beef, potato, carrot and maybe chayote. Perfect for a cold winter day. The soup was served with a side of rice which ended up going into the soup.
Lunch Plate - 5 - Turns out that our Rellenos ended up being the Entree on our plate. These were not the familiar cheese stuffed, egg battered peppers found in your typical Mexican restaurant. These appeared to be lightly spiced potato filled. Also on the plate were Macaroni Salad, Potato Salad (with mixed veg) and more rice. Yum!
Corn Tortillas - 5 - We got a large stack of what may have been Salvadoran corn tortillas wrapped in a cloth napkin. These tortillas were thicker than what we were used to but just as effective for wrapping up what we put in them.
Salad - 4 - We also received what may have been a Curtido, a pickled cabbage slaw from El Salvador. This, I did not try because my wife told me that there were jalapenos in it. I have to be in the right mood for those.
Whole Black Beans - 5 - I rarely meet a bowl of Whole Black Beans that I don't enjoy. We're not sure if this was part of the meal that we paid for or if she just felt like being kind and generous to us by letting us try more flavors.
Meat Patties - 4 - Two smallish Beef Patties with a Tomato based Sauce, possibly also El Salvadorean? Another bonus item?
Hot Chocolate - 5 - Another perfect beverage for a cold winter day. Very reminiscent of Mexican Hot Chocolate with Ground Cinnamon and other spices.
While we were not able fully communicate with Jonathan's mom and the staff, everyone was kind and welcoming. You don't often get that when you visit a business where you don't speak the same language. However, you can usually tell that they appreciate you when you see the smile in their eyes.
We would have no reservations about returning for another meal, menu or not. We'd trust them to take good care of us. That's saying a lot. read more