Downtown Lancaster - Rice N Beans

Okay diners and food connoisseurs there is a place that I’m dying to tell you about!!!

It sits on a very busy street in Lancaster City and resides next to the bus station; parking may be the only downside of this very fine, Latin restaurant – Rice and Beans.

The discovery of this place happen on a event called “1st Friday” basically a way for the city to allow shops to stay open later and get consumer to spend more money…great in the spring and summer…really sucks in the fall and winter, unless you like the cold and snowed filled streets!

Me and of course my ever fateful side kick and wife, Steph were once again w/our dear friends and (I guess to think about it some…food connoisseurs as well) were in the City for this 1st Friday event this past spring. The shops at times offer adult beverages to, for which I believe I might have indulged in several, well maybe several dozen drinks and was starting to feel the effects of these drinks and knew it was going to be time to end the party early or go get something to eat!

Stumbling…I mean walking up the street our friends had suggested Rice and Beans (from this point forward I will be abbreviating as RNB). Our friend Angel who happens to be Latin and knows a thing or two about Latin Cuisine suggested we get the pork. I’ve watch enough “Food Network” shows to know that the pork is the real deal.

I have to say, that this might be the finest roasted pork I’ve ever eaten!! It’s so moist, seasoned w/just the right stuff (for which I don’t believe I’ll get the formula for – sorry Darren) and is cooked w/the skin on…it makes you want to slap your momma! If you’re lucky enough you might be able to get a piece of skin that’s crispy, which is like a potatoes chip, but made from the skin of a pig. I know, what you’re thinking, no way. But I say don’t knock it, until you try it. In fact the owner has told me that some patrons come in just for the skin. This pork is so good that I’ve talked with Steph about cancelling our annual New Year Day lunch of Pork and Sauerkraut for rice, beans and Pork Latin Style!

I’ve been privileged enough to work w/some that has a connoisseur’s attitude about their food and have really taken a liken to this fine establishment. In fact one consultant that worked with us was so in love w/the place that he would eat their 2-3times a week when he was in town. He would always order his RNB w/extra gravy; by the way, the gravy is the drippings from the stewed chicken and can be quite delicious when added to your RNB.

Today something totally new came out…a special sauce. It was made of mayonnaise, w/some garlic, and other seasonings…OMG! How good it was on the fried plantains. I might just eat at RNB from now on exclusively. There is always a draw to go back for more. DARN RNB…another place that had me at “HELLO”!

The best part about this establishment is that every time that I’ve gone there, the flavor, the way it’s made is always the same. The owners are very accommodating and friendly. But the best part…the prices are reasonable…daily lunch w/a soda pop and tip = $7.50.

Now I don’t want anyone to read this and think that I just made this place out to be the Ritz Carlton!! It’s far from that, it’s a clean restaurant that seats about 20-25 at a time (if they’re lucky) and always has good Latin food. I’ve not ventured far from the “PORK” but they do serve other dishes as well; such as chicken, fish, beef…and even subs.

I would say if you in the mood for some authentic Latin comfort food this is your place…in fact…this is the only place!

Special thanks to my dear friends who introduced us to this great restaurant; Stacie and Angel and to my co-workers who dare take a walk on the wrong side of town to eat something different.