Once upon a time when I first moved to Santa Barbara I came across this old little hut of a building that was called Romanti-Ezer. It was owned by a sweet married couple who had the restaurant for more than 10 years. I remember loving the food from my very first bite. I used to volunteer at the Jewish Federation and walked from the federation building to that diner.

I remember feeling a twinge of guilt every time I ordered from Romanti-Ezer, but I ended up not caring once I have taken a bite of the pillowy gooey cheese of the glorious pupusas. They are so good, and I love the tang from the slaw that comes with the dish. When the restaurant closed, my heart broke a little.

But then I discovered they are still existing in a food truck: I cheered! Knowing that the husband-and-wife duo are still in business warms my heart.

I recently went to the food truck and lo and behold there was a line of hungry medical workers and neighbors there waiting to be fed. One EMT worker was a regular and said he always orders the California burrito with the french fries inside the pillowy tortilla. I also saw a couple of hospital workers who work in the radiology waiting in line to get the asana tacos.

My mother and I ordered several different dishes that tempted us. I ordered the birria tacos with the consume that a fellow customer highly recommended and it was indeed perfection. I also ordered a chicken torta and a vegetarian burrito for my mom. The chicken was tender, the cheese was nice and oozy. The burrito was filled with fresh and simple ingredients.

I feel this food truck should get more credit for what it does for our small town and our essential workers. I hope they will make pupusas again so I can eat them again with relish.

More Like This

Login

Please note this login is to submit events or press releases. Use this page here to login for your Independent subscription

Not a member? Sign up here.