By JENNIFER K. BAUER jkbauer@inland360.com
MOSCOW — A sign prominently hung above the order counter at Patty’s Mexican Kitchen in Moscow warns patrons in advance: “We are NOT a FAST FOOD restaurant.”
The venue is located on the eastern edge of the University of Idaho campus. Perhaps a distinction needed to be made between the food here versus the fare served quickly to hungry college students across the street at Taco Time.
Patty’s Kitchen began when owner Patty Alvarez started selling her salsa and tamales at the Moscow Farmers Market in the early 2000s. Unexpected success led to a restaurant. Today that’s an enclosed kitchen surrounded by a sprawling maze of outdoor and indoor seating. This includes the Patty Dome, a covered area shaped like UI’s Kibbie Dome with bench seating, graffiti-covered walls and a painting of Lionel Hampton.
It’s a great place to dine outdoors on authentic Mexican food, including burritos as large as footballs or newborn infants. This is what Patty’s is known for. The range includes the Junior ($6.99), the Super ($7.99), and the colossal Big Vandal ($27.49). These come with a choice of meat or seafood, refried beans, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, salsa verde and Mexican rice and sour cream.
The tamales that started it all are on the menu. Patty’s Tamale Meal ($8.49) is two tamales stuffed with one of her three signature fillings: spiced pork, green chile chicken or roasted vegetables with cheese. It comes with pico de gallo, Mexican rice and refried beans. You can buy one ala carte ($2.99) or place an order for a dozen ($19.99). The restaurant offers pick up or free delivery in Moscow.
For breakfast, besides burritos and Huevos Rancheros ($7.99), something you don’t see every day is the spicy Chilaquiles (pronounced tchee-lah-KEE-lehs). Described as “a true rustic dish,” it’s three eggs and fried tortilla chips sauteed with tomatoes, peppers, onions and red sauce garnished with Mexican sour cream and melted cheese ($7.99).
You’ll also find traditional favorites like fish tacos, quesadillas, enchiladas and nachos in quantities that could lead to a food-induced siesta.
Patty’s Kitchen, 450 W. Sixth St., Moscow, (208) 883-3984
