These Sandals Are Made For Eating

The hectic pace is starting to slow down — just a little.

Owner Veronica Salazar held a special invitation-only ceremony recently for friends and colleagues to celebrate the grand opening of El Huarache Loco at Marin Country Mart.

Salazar introduced her cooking to local residents at the Saturday farmers markets at Marin Country Mart, serving up hot dishes from her stove under a tent.

She's moved from the tent to a brick-and-mortar restaurant, completing a major goal.

"It's been so busy. I've wanted this for a long time," Salazar said as she greeted guests to her restaurant.

Salazar is the first graduate of La Cocina's Incubator Program to set up a fixed-location restaurant. Other members of the program continue to operate food trucks, some in association with Off The Grid, which visits Marin Country Mart every Sunday.

Now that the opening ceremonies are done, the pace at the restaurant is a little quieter, but not any slower. El Huarache Loco packs in the lunch crowds as hungry families look for authentic Mexican food.

Popular choices are sopes topped with beans, lettuce, salsa and queso fresco; sandal-shaped huaraches; and gorditas.

In its first month, El Huarache Loco was voted as one of the most popular Mexican restuarants in the Twin Cities by Patch readers.

QUICK FACTS

Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturrday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Location: 1803 Larkspur Landing Circle, inside Marin Country Mart

Phone: 415-925-1403

Catering: Yes

Take-out: Yes