great food and philanthropy

Sandoval’s Gives Back

n Jeannine Mendoza Ed.D

“At the end of the day, it’s not about what you have or even what you have accomplished… it’s about who you’ve lifted up, who you’ve made better. It’s about what you’ve given back.” – Denzel Washington

Thirty-five years ago, the Sandoval family started the Burrito Barge Mexican restaurant at 818 First Street. The restaurant had a reputation for quality Mexican food and cold beer, and became a local mainstay. Over the ensuing years, the restaurant moved a few doors west, to 640 First, and is now owned and operated by the youngest sibling, Deanne Sandoval-Ponder. Now known simply as Sandoval’s, the restaurant still prides itself on excellent, home-style Mexican food, and has enjoyed a loyal following for decades. Even the servers, prep personnel and cooks are all practically family members, having worked at the restaurant for years. Deanne often speaks of her “work family” with the same loving manner as her “home family.”

At Sandoval’s you can find toothsome traditional entrees, many still made using Deanne’s mother’s recipes, like cheese and onion enchiladas in a red or green sauce, and the restaurant’s signature pork chile verde either on a plate or in a burrito (or the popular “wet” burrito). Authentic chile rellenos that use an entire, fresh Anaheim chili pepper for each mouthwatering pepper, not skimpy canned chili strips, cannot be equaled. Additionally, your choice of crunchy or soft tacos, crammed with shredded beef, ground beef, shredded chicken or pork carnitas, are available. Street tacos filled with carne asada, al pastor, pork carnitas, fish, or fajita style tri-tip or chicken are available as well. Dinners are served with Mexican rice and your choice of beans. You can enjoy a plate of tasty chicken or beef fajitas. Sandoval’s soups are all made from Deanne’s mother’s own recipes, perfect for a chilly night. Albondigas, a hearty turkey meatball soup, is satisfying, as is the savory caldo de res, with chunks of beef and vegetables. A homemade black bean soup containing chopped tomatoes,

Our community is well served when business owners and others see beyond their personal interests and look out for all community members.