When I walk into Taco Riendo, it reminds me of home. The smells, the welcoming environment and
the family feel is like being in my Grandma’s house when I was little. That is why I have chosen this
spicy little hot spot behind Airport Chevrolet and Party Time for my very first blog. This location is not
on any of my current tours because it would be a lot more hustle to get there than most of my guests
want. But this “perimeter” place has everything that I admire in an eating establishment in my favorite
town of Medford.
Yes. This is my first blog because there is so much talent, foodies and great community here that I just
have to share it with all of you! You are going to learn about new restaurants, pop-up food events, and
yummy zones, you might never have known about. It is what the Hungry Hustle is all about. Keeping
you in the know about where to go and putting Medford on the map as a food haven. And what a great
place to start the blogging adventure by telling the owner’s story.
Lisandro Barajas, owner, is often running around, smiling, cooking and even doing dishes at his eatery
on 908 Chevy Way. Why not? He should be joyous. He as worked hard to build up a business that
started with family and a good story. He and his brother bought a Taco Truck in Los Angeles and when
they were bringing it to Oregon, they got pulled over for speeding. Lisandro asked his brother to stop
going so fast and they joked about calling the business “the running taco,” and it stuck. Now, Taco
Riendo has its own building and has been at the current location for the past four years.
As soon as you walk in you get that down-home cooking feel and you see his Aunt Juanita working
behind the counter. There is pride and authentic food inspired by his Mom, Alicia’s recipes and special
flavors at reasonable prices. I just don’t know what more you could ask for. And it is OK to dance your
way up to the counter in rhythm with the festive music playing and say hello Melynda-style.
One of my absolute go-to’s at Taco Riendo is the Taco Rojo. Order as many as you want at $2.50 each,
you won’t break the bank. The soft corn tortillas which are rojo (red) are filled to the brim with
Barbacoa seasoned beef smothered with Lisandro’s red sauce and melted cheese. I highly recommend
that you add the cup of Barbacoa broth for another dollar. Then fold and dip a taco into the special
sauce and experience the first hit of fresh cilantro followed by saucy beef! Hint: Do not wear white if
you want to stay clean. The thin red sauce is drippy, but that’s where the flavor is, so enjoy!
Taco Riendo is open for breakfast, lunch or dinner because they have it going on all day long with
breakfast burritos, tacos, quesadillas and lunch specials. And I just learned that Lisandro has his special
green and roasted red salsas for sale at Food 4 Less and Shop n’ Cart in Ashland. You might want to
pick up some of those up along with the chips he makes himself by the bag for your next get-together.
You may not know this but Lisandro has the perfect size meals for every appetite imaginable. Whether
you want a couple street tacos or a “Wet Burrito” dripping with homemade tomatillo salsa verde or
(enchilada salsa roja), melted mozzarella, lettuce, pico and sour cream on the side, they got you
covered. Now, run (or hustle) over there and let me know what you think.
The Hungry Blogger
