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The History of El Tapatio de Jalisco
Many, many years ago when great-great-great-great grandfather Herrera
and his beautiful wife took a trip up the Mississippi River, they
decided to turn east and visit Lake Michigan. The trip was beautiful,
and they loved the area. They found a great campsite along the lake
where Juneau would later build his cabin at their suggestion. After
trading for a canoe, the two intrepid travelers headed up the Milwaukee
River.
When they came to the wide bend in the river that had good current and
plenty of clear fresh water, they looked around in acknowledgment that
this was the place- and as the golden glow of the sunset brightened
their faces, they smiled and named their new home West Bend.
The first thing the Herreras did was to plant a beautiful garden filled
with corn, beans, tomatoes, and lots of different kinds of chillies.
Everything grew in rich profusion. People started coming by to see the
beautiful garden, so the Herreras started a farmers market right where
down town West Bend would later be built. Everyone came from miles
around. They loved the fresh produce, and they asked for breakfasts,
lunches, and dinners.
There was just one little problem. The two settlers realized they
would need some cooking pans, because as vacationers they had packed
light. So Senora Herrera told her husband to dam the river at the bend
and use the water power to run a factory. They used cast iron, because
aluminum had not been invented yet. The restaurant began serving
desayunos – breakfasts – with incredible Heuvos Rancheros, and soon
added lunches and dinners.
One day some locals came by with their musical instruments. As the
soft strains of the guitar and happy voices resonated across the river,
great-great-great-great grandfather Herrera turned to his wife of many
years. “Shall we get out that bottle of tequila we have been saving
all these years?” She nodded and their children now grown ups with
families of their own all shouted, “Happy 50th Anniversary!”
The family has kept these traditions alive. El Tapitio de Jalisco is
still located along the river in downtown West Bend. They serve three
delicious meals a day. And if you ask Miguel, he will tell you this is
all nonsense. And that the only true part is that having a great
restaurant is really a labor of love, no he really says a lot of hard
work. |
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