Nov 2012

Restaurante El Meson De Los Laureanos – El Quelite

Restaurante El Meson De Los Laureanos - El Quelite, Sinaloa

The most charming destination on my recent trip to Sinaloa was the rural town of El Quelite located 25 miles northeast of Mazatlán. Named after the milkweed that grows throughout the area, the colonial village hasn’t changed too much over the years, aside from the fresh coat of paint that every home and business receives during the holidays. The heart of the town is Restaurante El Meson De Los Laureanos, where we enjoyed a spectacular breakfast spread of regional specialties.

Restaurante El Meson De Los Laureanos - El Quelite, Sinaloa

The soul of the operation is Dr. Marcos Gabriel Osuna, also known as “El Padre del Turismo Rural en Sinaloa.” Dr. Osuna’s steadfast commitment to promoting rural tourism in the area has put El Quelite on the map and increased the economic vitality of inhabitants. It was incredible meeting Dr. Osuna toward the end of our meal and hearing about his passion for the region’s culture, traditions, and people.

Restaurante El Meson De Los Laureanos - El Quelite, Sinaloa

Born and raised in the house that the restaurant is located in, Dr. Osuna has transformed and expanded the building room by room over the years into a wonderland of art and food.

Upon entering the restaurant, we were greeted by beautiful murals telling the history of the region painted by Jorge Larreta, a famous Sinaloan painter.

Restaurante El Meson De Los Laureanos - El Quelite, Sinaloa

Since it was such a gorgeous morning, we opted to sit on the patio amidst shady trees crawling with iguanas and colorful parrots.

Restaurante El Meson De Los Laureanos - El Quelite, Sinaloa

To start we were served bowls of fresh fruit and a selection of handmade cheeses made from the milk of local cows. There were wedges of mildly-flavored queso fresco, curdled cottage cheese-like natas, smooth and tangy jocoque, and crumbly curds of el requesón.

Restaurante El Meson De Los Laureanos - El Quelite, Sinaloa

Next up were savory gorditas, one for each of us so that we didn’t have to share. Atop the corn cake was a thick and rich slathering of zurrapa, the porky, oily bits found at the bottom of the pot after frying chicharones, and plenty of melted cheese. This breakfast “pizza” perked us up quite nicely.

Restaurante El Meson De Los Laureanos - El Quelite, Sinaloa

We also sampled sweet gorditas that tasted like shortbread cookies.

Restaurante El Meson De Los Laureanos - El Quelite, Sinaloa

Mexican pancakes, adorably called pancakies, also made an appearance at the breakfast table. The thin pancakes were rolled tightly and served with preserves and butter. Our tour guide Jesus couldn’t keep his hands away from these sweet things.

Restaurante El Meson De Los Laureanos - El Quelite, Sinaloa

To round out our meal, we each ordered a main course from the menu. Taking Jesus’ lead, I selected the lengua en salsa roja, one of the restaurant’s original and most popular dishes. The tongue was incredibly tender, while the broth was spicy and tangy. Fresh lime juice brightened the entire platter.

Restaurante El Meson De Los Laureanos - El Quelite, Sinaloa

And last but certainly not least was a tremendous dessert spread. Check out my previous post on “Cinco Sensational Sinoloan Sweets” for all the delightful details.

El Quelite - Sinaloa, Mexico

Following breakfast at Restaurante El Meson De Los Laureanos, we walked around El Quelite to explore a bit further. Imposing and colorful archways like the one pictured above are found throughout the region separating one town from the next.

El Quelite - Sinaloa, Mexico

The facade of El Quelite’s church.

El Quelite - Sinaloa, Mexico

A peak inside the church.

El Quelite - Sinaloa, Mexico

And finally, we visited the statue of an athlete playing the town’s beloved sport. Ulama is an ancient Aztec game still played in El Quelite. It is the oldest known game utilizing a rubber ball.

There’s no doubt I left a piece of my heart in El Quelite.

Restaurante El Meson De Los Laureanos
Francisco Bernal SN
El Quelite, 82350
Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico
Phone: 01-669-965-4194

One year ago: Life After Bourdain: Reuniting with the Lunch Lady
Two years ago: Coffee Cake with Coffee Frosting
Three years ago: Marked5 – Los Angeles
Four years ago: Yum Cha Cafe – San Gabriel
Five years ago: Bánh Cam
Six years ago: Acenar – San Antonio

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3 thoughts on “Restaurante El Meson De Los Laureanos – El Quelite

  1. Hello I find an interesting article from Spain I invite you to visit my blog for great recipes from Valencia that I update every week, always good to know other food cultures.

    Valenciagastronomic.blogspot.com.es

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