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Food & Beverage Local Business Uncategorized

Carnitas is King

Ventura has a new gem! Carnitas El Rey, 2437 E Main St

By Nancy Olascuaga & Deseray Radziewicz

El Rey’s restaurant’s indulgent carnitas originate from where they are best made: Michoacan (an elegant state of Mexico known for its rich ancient culture, magnificent landmarks, and flavorful carnitas). Eating here felt like we didn’t have to travel all the way to Michoacan to satisfy our juicy carnitas cravings.

Carnitas El Rey entrance, 2437 E. Main St, Ventura, CA
Michoacan styled murals adorn the restaurant walls.

Along the Way

Currently Carnitas El Rey has three locations in Oxnard, Santa Paula and now Ventura. All three El Rey restaurants and it’s Owners: Juan and Gricelda Zavala, have an impressive reputation for their authentic real deal Michoacan style carnitas.

Pinto beans, rice, homemade tortilla, carnitas, Agua de Tamarindo.

The Food

Nancy and I went to Carnitas El Rey to check it out. What we found was a beautifully decorated atmosphere and authentic Michoacan carnitas that were tender, full f flavor, and all around fabulous. A couple tips from fellow VC Social blogger Nick Lerma, get there early because they are SO GOOD that they could run out, and make sure to try the rice.

We made sure to do both and were not disappointed. Nancy and I each ordered the taco plate which came with beans and rice. Nancy had an agua de tamarindo and I had a sangria senorial soda to drink. I tried the green salsa, it was flavorful. While it didn’t make me sweat, it was just enough to dew my forehead. Everything was fresh, delicious, everything was clean, and everyone was warm and friendly.

Taco plate. Pinto beans, rice, homemade tortillas, carnitas, chopped onions and cilantro, green salsa.

If you’re looking for a new gem to check out in Ventura, we definitely recommend Carnitas El Rey! Check out their opening day post on Instagram on your way there.

Check out Carnitas El Rey – You’ve been warned, carnitas cravings ahead…
Nancy Olascuaga's avatar

By Nancy Olascuaga

Nancy Olascuaga is a dental office accounts clerk. She loves to remind patients that they are due for their dental exams and cleanings. She also helps the financial administrator with general account balances and insurance claims. Nancy is a happy person and enjoys helping others. She has three kids; they go to three different schools, but she manages to juggle their schedules while pursuing her dreams of obtaining a higher education in business. Her career goal is to have her own business. She grew up and currently lives in Ventura, but she has also lived in San Francisco, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles. She enjoys gifting gloves to the homeless folks in her area during the cold weather. She loves going to the beach and the Ventura Botanical Gardens. Nancy is able to find resilience every time she faces adversity.

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