‘Tastes of Mexico’ Highlights Mexican Community in Santa Maria

Providing the Orcutt community with authentic Mexican cuisine is no easy task but it’s one Dina Rangel, owner of the Old Town Mexican Cafe, takes in stride, telling us: “I’ve been all over you know – Lompoc to Arroyo Grande and I’m so happy here.”

Many of the recipes at the Old Town Mexican Cafe have been passed down through Rangel’s family. “The albondigas is my grandma’s recipe so a lot of vegetables, really good food, and another main course is the tamales and that’s my mom’s recipe too,” says Rangel.

Now that they’ve been in business for more than four years, Rangel hopes her restaurant inspires others within the Mexican community to strive for their American dream. “We came from Mexico and we’re already making it so to me, it was just so exciting that I can say “hey you know what, we’re growing and we’re here,” Rangel says.

All of the proceeds from the Tastes of Mexico event went to P.L.A.Y. INC which funds recreational, cultural, and art programs throughout the Santa Maria Valley.