Back when my Dad was still around and we were the 3 Musketeers (Mom, Dad, and me), we used to occasionally go to the so-called "Indian" casinos out in the Palm Springs area as well as the Temecula area. I think one time we were actually driving back from Vegas around 8-9 years ago and we were all a bit hungry. It was a little late on a Sat. or Sun. night and, not familiar with this part of Ontario too much, I pulled off the 60 at Euclid (because I figured Euclid Blvd is a major thoroughfare and would have plenty of eating places up and down the street), and made a right at the off-ramp......
well, I immediately saw a Food-for-Less and a Jack-in-the-Box, as well as a Chevron or some other gas station. Hmmm......then, off to the left of Food-for-Less (west side), I saw this place that was still open and it was called Tortas Sinaloa. The whole façade of this eating establishment was composed of glass from ceiling to the floor and they had these huge jugs of aguas frescas just like in Mexico. My mouth felt like I had cotton in there, it was so dry! I figured a place with a name like Tortas Sinaloa had to be good, right?
Well, the wait was a bit long but we enjoyed our large aguas frescas in the meantime. They have the standard jamaica (hibiscus flower), tamarindo (tamarind bean), horchata (rice water), pineapple, watermelon, melon (cantaloupe), strawberry, lime, and other sweet water-based drinks that would quench any thirst. They also have licuados (blended, sweet drinks that use either milk or water, depending on the flavor) and bionicos, I believe.
When we got our tortas after about 30 mins. (yeah, I was seriously thinking about offering someone who already had their torta double their cost if I could just eat already!!!), we absolutely devoured them on the remaining ride home. Times like that I just wish I wasn't the driver. I think I bit my fingers a couple of times, I was so freakin,' frackin' starved. I also think I ate some of the wrapping paper that the tortas come in (think Carl's Jr. burgers like their Flaming Star) since I was eating and driving. They actually use Mexican cheese in their tortas (panela, I think, or Oaxacan-style cheese depending on what kind of torta you order. I think they have about 7,777 different types of tortas, or something close to that figure, at any rate.)
Service is a little slow since each torta is made when you order it, so do yourself a favor and call ahead of time or be prepared to drool while watching others eat their torta. Personally, when I'm about 30 mins. out or 20 miles away depending on traffic conditions, I call in my order to avoid lengthy delays. There. You've been forewarned. Because they sell so many of these delicious aguas frescas, the tables and menus all seem sticky at any given time. Don't forget to ask for the chiles and zanahorias (jalapenos and carrots in a vinegar sauce, a staple at Mexican taco/food stands).
Dad has gone on to the big Torta in the sky now, but I still stop by here whenever Moms and I find ourselves in this neighborhood, heading back from some gambling junket out in the desert or North San Diego County. Even if Mom and I have eaten to our hearts' content somewhere else, it's worth it just to have one of those refreshing aguas frescas. BTW, they never have had a "take-out" menu on any of the occasions I've stopped by.
BTW, I discovered a Tortas Sinaloa today in Baldwin Park. WHAT???!!! How long has this been under my nose, I wonder? Then I found this Ontario location which is where I first found out about Tortas Sinaloa. Baldwin Park is only a short drive away so I'm glad I found out about this nearby location. The other locations are, quite frankly, out in the boonies. No offense to those who live in the boonies. read more