Food Find: Chile relleno de birria at Taqueria La Patrona in Virginia Beach
A chile relleno is a chili pepper stuffed with cheese or meat, and fried. A birria is stewed meat (goat, lamb or beef) seasoned with chile peppers. What happens when they merge? Chile relleno de birria.
Taqueria La Patrona managed to combine my two favorite Mexican dishes into one. I discovered the chile relleno de birria on its online menu and ordered it in the restaurant. The first encounter left a lasting impression. A hearty portion arrived at the table with two plump poblano peppers crusted with melted cheese. I cut them to reveal a mixture of the juicy shredded beef, cilantro and onions. Each helping dripped with sour cream and spicy jalapeno sauce. They packed a slow-cooked Sunday stew flavor with a hint of smooth spice. It reminded me of a birria taco without the tortilla. The stringy cheese gave it a texture reminiscent of my friend’s homemade chiles rellenos; I loved this moment as much as I missed her.
I sat the consomé, the broth dipping sauce, aside and gave my serving of Mexican rice to my husband to enjoy. I consumed as much of the meal as I could, with each bite getting better. I took the leftovers home and reheated them the next day in the microwave. It gave me the same pleasure as the day before.
The chile relleno de birria is now my go-to dish at Taqueria La Patrona, and I crave it often. This will go down in my book as one of the best duos to eat.
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The find
Chile rellenos de birria
Destination: Taqueria La Patrona, 1153 Lynnhaven Parkway, Virginia Beach
Price: $15
Info: taquerialapatrona.mobilebytes.com, 757-301-4527
Rekaya Gibson, 757-295-7709, rekaya.gibson@virginiamedia.com, on Twitter @gibsonrekaya
