You guys know I'm a Mexican Fiend.
It started in the late 80s when my family lived in Sandy Springs. We lived right up the road from the Tex Mex mecca Rio Bravo. We ate there multiple times a week, and every time we went I spent our wait time watching the tortilla maker and begging for a sample. As a parent I now see why we went so often. How nice for the parents to be able to wait at the bar while the kids were entertained? Genius.
Rio Bravo was my first introduction to Cheese Dip. All my Buckhead-reared friends claim Jalisco's was the birthplace of cheese dip, but those of us from Sandy Springs know Cheese Dip is actually supposed to be yellow and loaded with chorizo and spices.
In the mid nineties Rio Bravo closed. Though my family mourned, we eventually found solace at El Azteca and even eventually Jalisco's after we moved to Buckhead, but we never lost our love for the TexMex family fiesta that was Rio Bravo.
A few months ago Ray's Rio Bravo announced its comeback, and I've been waiting on pins and needles for a fresh off the press tortilla and to finally taste my first swirl margarita.
On Wednesday I called Jimmy at work (a line reserved only for emergencies). As soon as he answered I announced, "tonight is the night we go to Rio Bravo!" In an effort to get me out of his ear and back to work, he agreed.
We arrived, and I practically skipped from the car to the restaurant, pausing every few feet to take pictures of Oliver's first trip to the mecca.
We walked into the door, stepped back into the late 80's, and my heart almost exploded. Jimmy, who is the perfect husband for me because he always mirrors my excitement, got right into the spirit of the outing, and we videoed Oliver's first visit to the tortilla press.
As soon as we were seated we ordered a Cheese Dip, and Oliver squealed when it arrived and dipped his french fries into it. I tried it with the piping hot tortillas, and it tasted like home.
We enjoyed the food, the people watching, and the trip down memory lane! The Swirl machine was not working that night, so who wants to take a trip back with me??
Rio Bravo: http://www.raysriobravo.com/
P.S. The Rio Bravo location has moved. Please note the new address. 6450 Powers Ferry Rd, Atlanta, GA 30339
P.S.S. I do not want to dwell on this, but if you do visit Rio Bravo, please make sure you do not leave any valuables in your car.
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