La Lupita

La Lupita

1950 Westminster Street

Providence, RI 02909

401.331.2444

Neon signs entice passers-by with the promise of tortas, burritos, tacos, and other Mexican dishes. Just inside the door are shelves filled with Mexican food staples and spices for customers who want to make Mexican cuisine at home. For the rest of us, there are plenty of menu options, including several vegetarian dishes. I got the cheese quesadilla and vegetarian taco, both with “everything.” The flavor and texture of each of the ingredients—shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, refried beans, sliced avocado, mild cheese—are distinctive, yet complement the dish as a whole. To wash it all down, I bypass the American sodas in favor of a bottle of Jarritos. Jarritos is a Mexican brand of soft drinks, and La Lupita has a well-stocked refrigerator of the brightly colored beverages in flavors of tamarind, mandarin, mango or fruit punch.

{Jarritos Tutifruti}

{Veggie taco}

Simple, fresh ingredients are one of the trademarks for Jaime and Amelia Blancas, the husband and wife owners who opened the restaurant 7 years ago. Amelia prefers to let the freshness do the work rather than overwhelming the palate with too many spices. However, there are condiments— red salsa, green salsa, peppers, and limes— for those who prefer their food with more heat or adornment.

{Cheese quesadilla}

The Blancas focus on making the types of dishes that would be served in Mexican homes. During my visit, a Mexican transplant to Providence explained that La Lupita is one of the few places in Rhode Island where he can get food like he remembers from home. The restaurant is a regular stop for local Mexicans and other Providence residents who appreciate home-style Mexican cuisine.

{La Lupita interior}

La Lupita is proof that fast food can also be fresh and flavorful food.