Savouring the flavour at Los Brothers

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This article was published 04/08/2023 (860 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

“Come hungry” could very well be the motto of the Los Brothers food truck, which is music to my ears, especially since it pretty much sums up my appetite on a regular basis.

So, when I spotted the bright yellow truck and its welcoming awning, I got in line as quickly as I could.

The authentic Mexican menu was created by Rick Janes, who has been in Brandon for more than a decade, but is originally from El Salvador.

Janes grew up in his family’s restaurant there, which was run by his mother, so he has always loved preparing food but has a real love for Mexican dishes.

Helping Janes to run the food truck is his sister-in-law, Rosio Serrano — who showed incredible patience as she explained each dish, and their ingredients.

The Los Brothers menu boasts more than a dozen items including tacos, burritos, quesadilla, nachos and six different burger options.

You can also choose from four hotdog creations, which may be a surprise to some, but the ballpark hotdog and tortas — a Mexican sandwich — were the first menu items Janes and Serrano offered from humble beginnings five years ago, selling from the back of a little trailer.

As tempting as it was to order “one of everything,” I decided to select three dishes — the Birria Tacos, Spicy Chorizo Sausage Burrito and the Jalapeño burger and fries.

Birria is flavourful shredded meat, which is mixed with mozzarella cheese, cilantro and chopped red onions, all stuffed inside hard-shell tacos with a side of consomé for dipping, for $15.

I tried a big bite without the consomé, which was full of flavour, but the real reward came after the dip. It accentuated the flavour of the meat and brought out the cilantro, without spoiling the crunchy taco shell.

A quick sip of a Mangonade, made with fresh mangos and savoury spices, and I was ready for dish number two.

You get two burritos for $15, and I chose spicy chorizo sausage, but other selections included beef steak, chipotle chicken or birria.

Inside the burritos are generous portions of refried beans, lettuce, Pico de Gallo — which is tomato, onion, cilantro and lemon — three cheeses, guacamole, and homemade salsa and sour cream on the side.

With so many ingredients, I was wondering if one would be overpowered by another. Not so. I tasted the refried beans first, then the Pico de Gallo, and the cream guacamole. The salsa was the big winner, adding a fresh tomato-like taste.

The soft-shell wrap on the burrito was perfectly fresh and not too thick, which made bite after bite enjoyable as well as delicious.

Anytime I’m eating at a Mexican restaurant, I look for something with heat — either hot sauce or jalapeños.

Featured on the larger-than-life menu of the side of Los Brothers’ food truck are photos of the six burger selections that let you eat with your eyes before ordering.

The Double Smash has two beef patties, cheese, caramelized onions and house dressing. The Donuts Burger — yes with a donut on top and bottom — also has mozzarella cheese, bacon, and smoked strawberry mayo.

The S.M.M.B. has smash beef, salted onions and mushrooms and special house dressing, the Classic Burger has everything except cheese, and the La takis Burger comes with bacon, pepper jack cheese, chipotle mayo and takis, which is a Mexican rolled corn tortilla chip.

The Jalapeño Burger at $15 did not disappoint. Bacon was piled high, cheese melted over the sides, there were two thinly sliced tomatoes, chunks of avocado, and breaded jalapeños.

Slathered on each bun was spicy mayo.

I can take the heat — and there were some good sweats, but not too much to overpower the experience.

Los Brothers also offers a shareable menu with steak fries, poutine and nachos.

Thanks to an arrangement with Black Wheat Brewing Company, those who order from the food truck can enjoy their food on the pub’s patio.

Verdict: 4.5 out of 5

You can find the Los Brothers food truck in the back parking lot of Black Wheat Brewing Company at 402 10th St. in Brandon.

Rick and Rosio are open Tuesdays to Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The Brandon Sun will be publishing a new food truck review every Wednesday and Friday all this month.

» mmcdougall@brandonsun.com

» X: @enviromichele