Jugos / Licuados / Aguas Frescas near Tacoma

[paselkin]

I recently had a craving for Mexican smoothie-type things, probably brought on by nice weather and nostalgia for my former home in San Diego. Is there anything that fits the bill in the Tacoma / Lakewood area? It seems like there ought to be. I've driven by one place that seemed to be closed permanently (near Yakima and S 72nd, I think; I think the name may have been something like "El Eden"). We tried El Zocalo on S 38th, too - that didn't really do it for me. Slow service, subpar fruit, lots of artificial stuff in the mix (and an odd smoky smell from what I think was an electrical fire behind the cash register). Is there anywhere that really specializes in jugos y licuados? Or that makes their own horchata / jamaica / etc.?

[paselkin]

@alitria: Good call! We tried La Casa de Sharon, which is on S Tacoma Way across from Pal Do World. I think that's the place you were describing. It's the real deal - all fresh fruit, made right there, and a good variety of flavors. The folks who work there were very nice. They have interesting mixes of fruits/veg ("El Vampiro" with beets!), and good pico de gallo a number of ways (we had "Gazpacho:" cucumber, jicama, mango, honey, lime, chile, and cheese... very nice). They even have paletas in all my favorite flavors - walnut, tamarindo, chile mango, rice. It is all kinds of awesome. We will be back.

@HWL: Is there a place you know of in B&I, or are you just guessing based on alitria's comment?

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La Casa De Sharon
9716 S Tacoma Way Ste C, Lakewood, WA 98499

[tsquare]

That gazpacho, if served all chunky, not as a drink, is served at many, many small storefronts in Morelia, MX. In the evening, many people stroll around the streets, from square to square, socializing, and eating this from tall cups or plastic bags. Sounds very authentic!

[paselkin]

Yes, their gazpacho is like a finely-chopped fruit salad. I've never been to Morelia, so I can't vouch for its authenticity, but it sure is good!

[alitria]

Just saw your response, and yes! That's exactly the place I was thinking of! Glad I was able to help. I actually nearby and I've decided that this part of Tacoma is full of hidden gems, even if the area and many of the places look less than impressive.

[alitria]

There is a place on South Tacoma Way that may fit the bill. I *cannot* remember the name of it, but it's something pretty obvious (in Spanish) and is located on the left side between Bridgeport and Steilacoom. There is a section there of groceries, taco stands, a carneceria, etc. that has a lot of good stuff. I also lived in SD and know exactly what you mean, but since I can no longer have sugar I have not ventured into the place I'm thinking of because it would just be pointless. If you haven't checked out that section of South Tacoma Way, I'd give it a try.

[HungWeiLo]

B&I Public Market?