There are some bizarre notions circulating Bay Area kitchens regarding the preparation of huevos rancheros. If you order the traditional Mexican dish at the wrong joint, you’re likely to be served a greasy mess of ground chuck and ketchup heaped over a pool of runny eggs. Moral of the story: When ordering huevos rancheros, proceed with extreme caution, unless you’re dining at La Estrellita. Here, the breakfast dish is presented with pristine care — a pair of flawlessly scrambled eggs and fresh corn tortillas, swimming in salsa with fresh chiles, tomatoes, garlic, and onion. It comes with plenty of refried beans and extra tortillas to soak it all up and is a healthy enough portion to keep you sated well past lunchtime. It’s the perfect big breakfast for the morning after a night on the town. Which brings to mind La Estrellita’s other strong suit: the fully stocked tequila bar. Hair of the dog.
Readers’ Pick:
Mama’s Royal Cafe
4012 Broadway, Oakland, 510-547-7600
