Lunch Ladies: Laura’s Kitchen
The Lunch Ladies enjoyed a delicious meal at Laura's Kitchen in Provo.
Sylvia's meal at Laura's Kitchen in Provo.
Gabby's meal at Laura's Kitchen in Provo.
Jennette's meal at Laura's Kitchen in Provo.
Victoria's meal at Laura's Kitchen in Provo.
Having lived in a variety of states, it’s always fascinating to me what is considered “Mexican” food at local restaurants.
What I encountered from my days in Texas on the border, to those in Iowa varied drastically. Mexican food found in New Mexico had a Southwest twist to it, setting it a part from Colorado fare, and Utah Mexican food has been a variety all its own.
Even within these states was a distinct hierarchy of authenticity, flavor fusions, a historical influence of ingredients, and traditional sides depending on the geography. Rice and beans with everything, made way to simply tortilla chips and a salsa bar, then on to jalapeño poppers or green chilies in a variety of dishes, then came jicama used in countless ways.
So when people ask me where to go for a great Mexican dish, I think, “It all depends on what kind of Mexican food you are used to.” Personally, I am pretty flexible. I can appreciate Tex-Mex, BajaMex, what is really Latin American cuisine from other countries, misclassified as Mexican food, as well as Traditional Mexican dishes.
But if you are looking for an authentic Mexican restaurant in Provo serving traditional style Mexican food, I would recommend Laura’s Kitchen. Not only are the prices great and the food and seasonings scrumptious, the restaurant serves its delicious Horchata in large glasses!
When the Lunch Ladies decided to spend our recent lunch hour at this small, almost unnoticed restaurant on Freedom Blvd, we conveniently only had to head a few blocks down from the Daily Herald. A couple of minutes later we had arrived and were scoping out the menu.
Here is what we went with:
Victoria DeLeon: Tacos al Pastor $4.50
It’s never been my inclination to go to hole-in-the-wall restaurants — at least not those without a distinct reputation. But as food becomes more and more generic, I’ve come to appreciate the unique quality of small businesses and the food they offer. In terms of authenticity, Laura’s has one of the more traditional Mexican menus; you won’t see a lot of Americanization, which I think is great. I had the tacos al pastor (corn tortillas with grilled pork and pineapple). A lot of other restaurants can’t get this right because it’s difficult to keep the meat from drying out while cooking. The tacos al pastor at Laura’s, however, were excellent, juicy and flavorful. Every taco comes with the traditional two small tortillas topped with meat. Then, you’re free to embellish them as you like at the salsa bar, complete with lime slices, onions, pickled cabbage, a variety of sauces and salsas, and more. Order three of these for $4.50 and it’s like you’re getting six — more than enough to satisfy you without leaving you stuffed and regretful.
Jennette: Torta with Carne Asada $6.75
Upon entering Laura’s Kitchen I could tell that this was the kind of authentic Mexican restaurant where fries or tater tots don’t come with every order. This was the real deal. I decided to stray from my usual quesadilla and I’m glad I did! I ordered a Torta, which is a Mexican style sandwich. The bread was light and very tasty and sort of sweet. The carne asada was lightly seasoned and quite tender and topped with tomato, avocado, lettuce and a light mayonnaise type spread. All together the best thing I had eaten all week! Laura’s Kitchen does serve Diet Coke in the can, bonus for me!
Gabby: Carne Asada Nachos $8.50+ Horchata $2
I immediately began downing the smooth, cinnamony Horchata, as I waited for my meal to come out. It had a thin consistency, just like I like it. When I first saw my heaping plate of nachos coming my way, I was pretty excited! Tons of sizzling meat, refried beans, pico, green chili sauce, sour cream, all on a huge bed of chips … but then the unthinkable happened. Upon closer look, I saw there was nacho cheese, instead of real cheese used on these nachos. If you read my most recent review, you know I am not a fan of nacho cheese, and having this happen to me at back-to-back outings, seemed like a jinx or curse. I’ve never encountered this at a Mexican restaurant before, so it did not occur to me that it could be a risk. Luckily the other ingredients were so plentiful that they drowned out most of the nacho cheese flavor. The meat was so tender and so seasoned with enough salty flavors and enough kick to it, that I just savored that, more than I noticed the oozing cheese. The beans and green chili sauce combined with such thick, crispy chips was outstanding! Next time I go, I’ll either ask for some shredded cheese on these babies, or I’ll go with the tacos!
Sylvia: Chicken Fajitas $11.99
Driving Freedom Boulevard to and from work every day, I had seen the sign for Laura’s Kitchen for a long time and had wondered about it. If you have done the same, wonder no longer. This small, quaint place served me up Chicken Fajitas that had such a wonderful deep flavor. Delivered sizzling, the pan was loaded with chicken, cooked tomatoes, green peppers, onions and just the right amount of heat (spice-wise) — not sure how to explain it, but the seasoning was so good. The order came with warm tortillas. I chose corn. And they had a great salsa bar with all kinds of choices.
We enjoyed our new experience, especially the flavor of the tender meat that we all seemed to comment on again later in the day. We also liked supporting this small local restaurant, and its traditional Mexican flavors. We will definitely be going back to Laura’s Kitchen for its great food and prices.
— Laura’s Kitchen: 664 N. Freedom Blvd., Provo. Open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday to Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Closed Mondays.