{"id":63076,"date":"2023-02-26T00:01:14","date_gmt":"2023-02-26T06:01:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nmgastronome.com\/?p=63076"},"modified":"2024-07-25T09:21:20","modified_gmt":"2024-07-25T15:21:20","slug":"el-charlatan-socorro-texas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nmgastronome.com\/?p=63076","title":{"rendered":"El Charlatan &#8211; Socorro, Texas (CLOSED)"},"content":{"rendered":"<div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<figure id=\"attachment_63078\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-63078\" style=\"width: 750px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-63078 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 750px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 750\/424;border: 4px solid black; margin-top: 3px; margin-bottom: 3px;\" data-src=\"https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan01-scaled-e1677470350177.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"750\" height=\"424\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan01-scaled-e1677470350177.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 2560w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan01-scaled-e1677470350177-300x169.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 300w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan01-scaled-e1677470350177-1024x578.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1024w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan01-scaled-e1677470350177-150x85.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 150w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan01-scaled-e1677470350177-768x434.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 768w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan01-scaled-e1677470350177-1536x868.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1536w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan01-scaled-e1677470350177-2048x1157.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 2048w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan01-scaled-e1677470350177.jpeg?size=384x217&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 384w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan01-scaled-e1677470350177.jpeg?size=512x289&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 512w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan01-scaled-e1677470350177.jpeg?size=640x362&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 640w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-63078\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">&#8220;Somos De Aqui Y De Alla&#8221; &#8211; We&#8217;re From Here and There. This mural is on the wall leading to the gated complex where you enter El Charlatan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small; font-family: Verdana;\">Everyone should have a friend like Steve Coleman, the erudite owner of <a href=\"http:\/\/www.stevesfoodblog.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Steve&#8217;s Food Page<\/strong><\/a>. Not only is he a great guy and a lot of fun to spend time with, he&#8217;s a superb host and tour guide.\u00a0 During a two-day sojourn to &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/klaq.com\/what-the-hell-is-a-pachuco-and-why-is-el-paso-called-el-chuco\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>El Chuco,<\/strong><\/a>&#8221; Steve not only showed us the sights, he gave me a much-needed lesson about history New Mexico and Texas share.\u00a0 He explained that during the Pueblo Revolt of 1680, members of the Isleta Pueblo in New Mexico were displaced to El Paso along with O\u00f1ate and the Spaniards.\u00a0 Today, descendants of those Native Americans reside in a Native American Pueblo in the Ysleta section of El Paso just about three miles from El Charlatan, our dining destination.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small; font-family: Verdana;\">We were looking forward to Steve ferreting us through the historic\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.elpasomissions.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>El Paso Mission Trail<\/strong><\/a>, a nine-mile route representing a segment of El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro (Royal Road of the Interior), the historic trail that ran from Mexico City to Santa Fe. \u00a0Alas, unseasonably fierce winds (another commonality New Mexico and Texas share) obfuscated our view of the churches as we drove past (at least one of) them. \u00a0On the Fujita Scale, a measure of wind speed, winds were howling at the F1 level which means tree limbs snapping, power outages and along mostly blinding dust along the dirt-packed distance between El Paso and Juarez. \u00a0We literally couldn&#8217;t see more than a few feet ahead of us.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_63079\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-63079\" style=\"width: 750px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-63079 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 750px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 750\/563;border: 4px solid black; margin-top: 3px; margin-bottom: 3px;\" data-src=\"https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan02-scaled.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"750\" height=\"563\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan02-scaled.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 2560w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan02-300x225.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 300w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan02-1024x768.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1024w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan02-150x113.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 150w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan02-768x576.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 768w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan02-1536x1152.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1536w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan02-2048x1536.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 2048w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan02.jpeg?size=384x288&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 384w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan02.jpeg?size=512x384&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 512w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan02.jpeg?size=640x480&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 640w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-63079\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">El Charlatan From Socorro Road. You Don&#8217;t Actually Enter Through This Door, But Through A Door in the Walled Complex<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small; font-family: Verdana;\"> It&#8217;s no wonder that even at the safe speed of 20mph, we drove past El Charlatan. \u00a0We had to double back on Socorro Road. \u00a0Finding no parking lot in front of the restaurant, we traversed west of the restaurant along a walled complex with an intriguing mural declaring &#8220;<em>Somos de Aqui y de Alla<\/em>,&#8221; literally &#8220;we&#8217;re from here and there.&#8221; \u00a0The poignant mural depicts the evolution of the Mexican people, from Meso-American to contemporary times. \u00a0The complex behind that citadel-like complex was once <a href=\"https:\/\/kisselpaso.com\/socorros-historic-casa-apodaca-houses-4-exciting-new-visionaries\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Hacienda Apodaca<\/strong><\/a>. \u00a0Today, the complex houses an\u00a0art gallery, venue hall, coffee shop, and El Charlatan.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small; font-family: Verdana;\"> There&#8217;s no parking within the complex either. \u00a0Instead on an unpaved dirt area you&#8217;ll find picnic tables for diners who prefer their coffee or meals al fresco. \u00a0We were to learn El Charlatan is sequestered behind a blue door of the once family home. \u00a0Just outside the door, we espied a wooden replica of the type of wells used when the hacienda was thriving. \u00a0Just before reaching the door, there&#8217;s a unique &#8220;chair&#8221; constructed out of circular cut wood. \u00a0A small hole on the seat part of that chair is reminiscent of an outdoor toilet. <\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_63080\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-63080\" style=\"width: 750px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-63080 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 750px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 750\/563;border: 4px solid black; margin-top: 3px; margin-bottom: 3px;\" data-src=\"https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan03-scaled.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"750\" height=\"563\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan03-scaled.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 2560w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan03-300x225.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 300w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan03-1024x768.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1024w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan03-150x113.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 150w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan03-768x576.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 768w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan03-1536x1152.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1536w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan03-2048x1536.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 2048w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan03.jpeg?size=384x288&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 384w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan03.jpeg?size=512x384&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 512w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan03.jpeg?size=640x480&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 640w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-63080\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Behind The Blue Door is Where You Enter El Charlatan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small; font-family: Verdana;\">It&#8217;s when you enter El Charlatan that you&#8217;re taken aback. \u00a0Quite simply if Chef Enrique Lozano\u00a0hadn&#8217;t been nominated for a James Beard Award as the Best Chef in Texas for which he&#8217;s currently a semifinalist, he could have been nominated for best decor of any restaurant in the Lone Star State. \u00a0Chef Lozana has not only managed to fuse seemingly disparate culinary cultures, he&#8217;s proven that those colorful cultures can be blended decoratively. \u00a0Architecturally, the restaurant is Mexican, but elements of both Mexico and Japan festoon the walls, shelves and nichos of the small two-dining room space. \u00a0There literally is something to catch your eye at every turn.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small; font-family: Verdana;\">I may not know much about decorating, color schemes or fashion, but I do know what I like&#8230;not that my Kim would let me put up Japanese lanterns in our Southwest home. \u00a0They do work well in El Charlatan&#8217;s front dining room where the floors, nichos and brickwork are decidedly Mexican but the bric-a-brac is Japanese. \u00a0Perhaps even more breathtaking than the front dining room is slightly larger main dining room where we were seated. Luchadores, those masked Mexican wrestlers with a\u00a0superhero-like mystique, are an integral part of the decor here. \u00a0From our table we had a vantage point that allowed us to see the dining room from an entirely different perspective. \u00a0Beyond the fireplace is a view of the front dining room.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_63081\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-63081\" style=\"width: 525px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-63081 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 525px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 525\/700;border: 4px solid black; margin-top: 3px; margin-bottom: 3px;\" data-src=\"https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan04-scaled.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"525\" height=\"700\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan04-scaled.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1920w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan04-225x300.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 225w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan04-768x1024.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 768w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan04-113x150.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 113w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan04-1152x1536.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1152w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan04-1536x2048.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1536w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan04.jpeg?size=384x512&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 384w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan04.jpeg?size=512x683&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 512w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 525px) 100vw, 525px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-63081\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Front Dining Room of the Unique Mexico Meets Japan Restaurant<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small; font-family: Verdana;\"> A framed painting on the front dining room wall may at first bring to mind a diner spewing his (or her) lunch, but on closer investigation, that diner is endeavoring to slurp up a large tangle of noodles. \u00a0It&#8217;s all in great fun. \u00a0So is the culinary fusion of Asian (primarily Japanese) cuisine with the Mexican food so prevalent in the area. \u00a0El Charlatan is definitely where you want to go to transport\u00a0your senses to two continents at the same time. \u00a0It&#8217;s where you want to go for an unpretentious meal constructed entirely of high-quality, fresh ingredients. \u00a0It&#8217;s not just a &#8220;foodie&#8221; destination. \u00a0Every diner will find much to love from a menu showcasing tacos, baos and a phalanx of other fantastic fusion foods.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small; font-family: Verdana;\">Though so-called &#8220;fusion cuisine&#8221; has been around for time since at least the melding of chocolate and peanut butter, few have ever done it nearly as well as Chef Lozano. \u00a0Originally from Ciudad Ju\u00e1rez, Mexico and now a resident of Socorro about a mile north of his birthplace, Chef Lozano cut his teeth working for his dad&#8217;s catering company and watching his mom prepare food from scratch. \u00a0The passion his parents have for cooking inspired him to pursue a culinary career. \u00a0It&#8217;s only natural he would pursue a career preparing the foods with which he grew up. \u00a0His love for Asian cooking came later.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_63082\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-63082\" style=\"width: 750px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-63082 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 750px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 750\/563;border: 4px solid black; margin-top: 3px; margin-bottom: 3px;\" data-src=\"https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan05-scaled.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1\" alt=\"The Dining Room in Which We Dined\" width=\"750\" height=\"563\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan05-scaled.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 2560w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan05-300x225.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 300w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan05-1024x768.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1024w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan05-150x113.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 150w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan05-768x576.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 768w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan05-1536x1152.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1536w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan05-2048x1536.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 2048w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan05.jpeg?size=384x288&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 384w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan05.jpeg?size=512x384&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 512w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan05.jpeg?size=640x480&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 640w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-63082\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Dining Room in Which We Dined<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small; font-family: Verdana;\"> Chef Lozano&#8217;s first job in the culinary arena was at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/ZinosGreekEast\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Zino&#8217;s Greek &amp; Mediterranean Cuisine<\/strong><\/a> in El Paso. \u00a0In time, he made his way to \u00a0a Michelin-rated, Chicago-based restaurant called <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nextrestaurant.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Next,<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0which in its first year earned a &#8220;Best New Restaurant in America&#8221; award from the James Beard Foundation. \u00a0Returning home to El Paso, he opened up Nishi Ramen in Downtown El Paso. \u00a0At Nishi, Chef Lozano used the finest ingredients he could source to prepare each bowl of ramen himself. \u00a0Much of he loves ramen, he was called to return to his roots of traditional Mexican food, but with a nuanced twist.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small; font-family: Verdana;\"> That twist marries what he calls his two &#8220;<em>love languages<\/em>:&#8221; ramen y tacos. \u00a0El Charlatan&#8217;s website boasts &#8220;<em>Ushering a fusion of lacto fermentation to everything in our ramen dishes to the toppings on our tacos, you&#8217;ll be sure to brag about this to your<\/em>\u00a0<em>tios,<\/em>\u00a0<em>primos<\/em>\u00a0and your\u00a0<em>abuelos. \u00a0<\/em>La Charlatan was launched in January, 2021. \u00a0In its annual survey of &#8220;where to eat now&#8221; in the Lone Star State, Texas Monthly highlighted dozens of its favorite dishes. \u00a0Among the anointed dishes was El Charlatan&#8217;s &#8220;Bourdain,&#8221; a ramen dish named for the peripatetic culinary traveler. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_63083\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-63083\" style=\"width: 750px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-63083 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 750px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 750\/563;border: 4px solid black; margin-top: 3px; margin-bottom: 3px;\" data-src=\"https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan06-scaled.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"750\" height=\"563\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan06-scaled.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 2560w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan06-300x225.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 300w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan06-1024x768.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1024w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan06-150x113.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 150w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan06-768x576.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 768w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan06-1536x1152.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1536w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan06-2048x1536.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 2048w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan06.jpeg?size=384x288&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 384w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan06.jpeg?size=512x384&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 512w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan06.jpeg?size=640x480&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 640w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-63083\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Another View of the Dining Room<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small; font-family: Verdana;\"> Incorporating\u00a0fresh local ingredients sourced mostly from Socorro, El Paso and Juarez, Chef Lozano&#8217;s new restaurant was an immediate hit. \u00a0Though Socorro&#8211;on the east fringes of El Paso and bordering Juarez to the south&#8211;was already a dining destination in which numerous Mexican restaurants were on the radar of savvy diners like my friend Steve, El Charlatan quickly became the new kid in town that everyone has to visit. \u00a0In 2023, Chef Lozano was nominated for the James Beard Foundation&#8217;s Best Chef &#8211; Texas award, one of the most prestigious culinary awards in the country. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small; font-family: Verdana;\"> Admittedly, deciding what to order from a menu showcasing the specialties of two nations is a daunting prospect. \u00a0Fortunately we were helped with our decision-making process by our server Louie, a ubiquitous and attentive ambassador for the restaurant and its cuisine. \u00a0Louie provided recommendations and explained what dishes are especially highly regarded. \u00a0 I dispensed with the decision-making dilemma by opting for the tasting menu, an eight item melange of deliciousness that includes two desserts. \u00a0Steve and my Kim had a harder time deciding what to have.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_63159\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-63159\" style=\"width: 750px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-63159 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 750px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 750\/474;border: 4px solid black; margin-top: 3px; margin-bottom: 3px;\" data-src=\"https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Charlatan08-1-scaled-e1677978139322.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"750\" height=\"474\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Charlatan08-1-scaled-e1677978139322.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 2560w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Charlatan08-1-scaled-e1677978139322-300x190.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 300w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Charlatan08-1-scaled-e1677978139322-1024x648.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1024w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Charlatan08-1-scaled-e1677978139322-150x95.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 150w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Charlatan08-1-scaled-e1677978139322-768x486.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 768w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Charlatan08-1-scaled-e1677978139322-1536x971.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1536w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Charlatan08-1-scaled-e1677978139322-2048x1295.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 2048w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Charlatan08-1-scaled-e1677978139322.jpeg?size=384x243&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 384w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Charlatan08-1-scaled-e1677978139322.jpeg?size=512x324&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 512w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Charlatan08-1-scaled-e1677978139322.jpeg?size=640x404&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 640w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-63159\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Complimentary Tortillas and Butter<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small; font-family: Verdana;\">As we perused the menu, Louie ferried over a bamboo basket similar to what Chinese restaurants use for plating dim sum dishes. \u00a0Instead of Chinese \u00a0&#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.vocabulary.com\/dictionary\/dim%20sum\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>touch the heart<\/strong><\/a>&#8221; specialties, the basket contained three handmade <em><strong>flour tortillas<\/strong><\/em> accompanied by fresh butter from <a href=\"https:\/\/licondairy.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Licon Dairy<\/strong><\/a>, a must-visit working dairy just a few miles from El Charlatan. \u00a0The fresh butter was infused with miso and Asian spices. \u00a0The butter was so good, we should immediately have ordered the Licon cheese platter. \u00a0We did trek to the Dairy where we stocked up on Chihuahua, Asadero and Requeson cheeses. \u00a0In retrospect, we should have asked if the butter was also available at the dairy. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_63084\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-63084\" style=\"width: 750px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-63084 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 750px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 750\/511;border: 4px solid black; margin-top: 3px; margin-bottom: 3px;\" data-src=\"https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan07-scaled.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1\" alt=\"Amuse Buche\" width=\"750\" height=\"511\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan07-scaled.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 2560w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan07-300x204.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 300w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan07-1024x698.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1024w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan07-150x102.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 150w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan07-768x523.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 768w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan07-1536x1046.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1536w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan07-2048x1395.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 2048w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan07.jpeg?size=384x262&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 384w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan07.jpeg?size=512x349&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 512w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan07.jpeg?size=640x436&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 640w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-63084\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Amuse Bouche<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small; font-family: Verdana;\">We joked that El Charlatan might be doing a disservice to its business by not only serving complimentary tortillas and butter, but an amuse bouche as well. \u00a0<em><strong>Amuse bouche<\/strong><\/em>, a French term for\u00a0a small savory item of food served as an appetizer before a meal, are a staple at some fine-dining restaurants so why not at El Charlatan? \u00a0Our amuse bouche was a medley of magnificent mouth-pleasing ingredients atop a \u00a0delightful sweet onion croquette (and the only three I can remember are\u00a0gochujang, tempura crumbles and scallions). \u00a0Chef Lozano&#8217;s use of gochujang is on display throughout El Charlatan&#8217;s amazing menu. \u00a0The gochujang, a savory, sweet, and spicy fermented Korean chile paste condiment was just a bit too incendiary for my Kim so I had two of these amazing (sadly nameless because my memory is terrible) amuse bouche.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_63086\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-63086\" style=\"width: 525px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-63086 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 525px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 525\/700;border: 4px solid black; margin-top: 3px; margin-bottom: 3px;\" data-src=\"https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan09-scaled.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"525\" height=\"700\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan09-scaled.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1920w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan09-225x300.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 225w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan09-768x1024.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 768w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan09-113x150.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 113w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan09-1152x1536.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1152w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan09-1536x2048.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1536w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan09.jpeg?size=384x512&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 384w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan09.jpeg?size=512x683&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 512w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 525px) 100vw, 525px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-63086\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Pork Belly Bao, Fried Chicken Bao, Tofu Tempura Bao<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small; font-family: Verdana;\"> Despite having ordered the chef&#8217;s tasting menu, my gluttony apparently has no limits. \u00a0I still wanted to share in the <em><strong>bao trio<\/strong><\/em>: <em><strong>pork belly bao<\/strong><\/em> (a\u00a0steamed bun filled with pork belly and pickle, this bao is topped with toasted sesame seeds and hoisin sauce); <em><strong>fried chicken bao<\/strong><\/em> (a\u00a0crispy buttermilk-fried chicken sits in a steamed bun. Paired with picked and topped with togarashi, hoisin and toasted sesame seeds); and <em><strong>Tempura tofu bao<\/strong><\/em> and pickles in a warm, steamed bun, topped with togarashi and hoisin sauce. \u00a0The three bao were served in a decidedly Mexican plate not the bamboo basket we expected. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small; font-family: Verdana;\">Gentlemen that we are, Steve and I let my Kim decide which bao she wanted&#8230;as if there was any doubt. \u00a0She latched onto the fried chicken bao with the &#8220;enthusiasm&#8221; of a mother bear protecting her cubs. \u00a0This is fried chicken worthy of a country song. \u00a0It&#8217;s crisp, lightly breaded and as good as your favorite fried chicken. \u00a0Naturally, the bao left to me was the tempura tofu bao which turned out to be a good thing. \u00a0Unlike most bao we&#8217;ve had, the sweet, white dough was neither too sweet nor too doughy. \u00a0It was more substantial than other bao we&#8217;ve had. \u00a0Because bao is a little sweeter than your average bread bun, chefs tend to\u00a0use fillings and toppings that balance out the flavors and make it into a more savory. \u00a0Chef Lozano certainly did that.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_63087\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-63087\" style=\"width: 596px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-63087 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 596px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 596\/700;border: 4px solid black; margin-top: 3px; margin-bottom: 3px;\" data-src=\"https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan10-scaled.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"596\" height=\"700\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan10-scaled.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 2181w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan10-256x300.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 256w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan10-873x1024.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 873w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan10-128x150.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 128w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan10-768x901.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 768w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan10-1309x1536.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1309w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan10-1745x2048.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1745w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan10.jpeg?size=384x451&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 384w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan10.jpeg?size=512x601&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 512w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 596px) 100vw, 596px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-63087\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Samurai Ramen<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small; font-family: Verdana;\">Because you can never have enough fried chicken, my Kim&#8217;s entree was the <em><strong>Samurai Ramen<\/strong><\/em> (noodles with togarashi spiced fried chicken, naratoraki, a soft-boiled egg all in a double dipped broth made from fresh veggies and tonkotsu and topped with tare, scallion and toasted nori). \u00a0Togarashi, a\u00a0spicy powdered assortment of dried chili peppers and other seasonings, proved too hot for my Kim. \u00a0Louie asked the chef to prepare another batch without the pleasantly piquant spices. \u00a0This Samurai couldn&#8217;t be tamed. \u00a0Even with a less potent fried chicken, there is so much personality and an intense flavor profile within the broth.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_63089\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-63089\" style=\"width: 587px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-63089 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 587px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 587\/700;border: 4px solid black; margin-top: 3px; margin-bottom: 3px;\" data-src=\"https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan12-scaled.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"587\" height=\"700\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan12-scaled.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 2147w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan12-252x300.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 252w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan12-859x1024.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 859w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan12-126x150.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 126w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan12-768x916.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 768w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan12-1288x1536.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1288w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan12-1718x2048.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1718w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan12.jpeg?size=384x458&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 384w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan12.jpeg?size=512x611&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 512w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 587px) 100vw, 587px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-63089\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">From The Tasting Menu: Bourdain Ramen<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small; font-family: Verdana;\">Steve&#8217;s choice was the &#8220;<em><strong>Bourdain<\/strong><\/em>,&#8221; the ramen showcased by Texas Monthly in\u00a0its annual &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.texasmonthly.com\/food\/top-texas-dishes-2022\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Where to Eat and Drink Now<\/strong><\/a>&#8221; feature. \u00a0Texas Monthly proclaimed El Charlatan\u00a0&#8220;<em>one of the best places for a bowl of ramen in all of Texas<\/em>. \u00a0<em>The Bourdain ramen\u2014named for the late culinary traveler Anthony Bourdain\u2014hits the requisite marks with squiggly noodles, pork belly, Japanese fish cake, scallions, and a soft-cooked egg in a rich and creamy tonkotsu-style pork-bone broth<\/em>.&#8221; \u00a0Steve and I were in agreement that our preference would have been for a more traditional (and more mellow) tonkotsu pork-bone broth. \u00a0The Bourdain broth had a pronounced smoky flavor. \u00a0That&#8217;s especially true of the thick bacon-like pork belly. \u00a0The squiggly noodles and soft-cook egg were definitely highlights. \u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-size: small; font-family: Verdana;\">The Bourdain was one of the eight items on the tasting menu so my portion was somewhat smaller than Steve&#8217;s.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_63085\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-63085\" style=\"width: 525px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-63085 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 525px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 525\/700;border: 4px solid black; margin-top: 3px; margin-bottom: 3px;\" data-src=\"https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan08-scaled.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"525\" height=\"700\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan08-scaled.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1920w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan08-225x300.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 225w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan08-768x1024.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 768w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan08-113x150.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 113w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan08-1152x1536.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1152w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan08-1536x2048.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1536w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan08.jpeg?size=384x512&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 384w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan08.jpeg?size=512x683&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 512w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 525px) 100vw, 525px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-63085\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">From The Tasting Menu:<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small; font-family: Verdana;\"> One of the problems with tasting menus when you&#8217;re my age (perpetually 39) is that unless you have an eidetic memory, you can&#8217;t always remember everything you had&#8211;its composition, texture, flavors, etc. \u00a0Even with the photographs Steve took for me, I&#8217;m at a loss to explain the two items pictured above. \u00a0One I believe is a tostada, the other a dumpling. \u00a0While I may not remember specific details, my taste buds start to water just looking at the photograph. \u00a0There&#8217;s no doubt these two bite-sized treats were replete with flavors my taste buds can recall even though my gray matter can&#8217;t.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_63088\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-63088\" style=\"width: 750px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-63088 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 750px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 750\/422;border: 4px solid black; margin-top: 3px; margin-bottom: 3px;\" data-src=\"https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan11-scaled.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"750\" height=\"422\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan11-scaled.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 2560w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan11-300x169.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 300w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan11-1024x576.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1024w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan11-150x84.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 150w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan11-768x432.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 768w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan11-1536x864.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1536w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan11-2048x1151.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 2048w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan11.jpeg?size=384x216&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 384w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan11.jpeg?size=512x288&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 512w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan11.jpeg?size=640x360&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 640w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-63088\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">From The Tasting Menu: Shrimp Aguachiles and Shrimp Taco<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small; font-family: Verdana;\">Although delivery of the tasting menu dishes were well spaced to allow for reflection and degustation, each dish was so replete with ingredients that Louie&#8217;s adjective-laden descriptions came like a fusillade. \u00a0In my youth I would have remembered it all, but at 39 my memory just isn&#8217;t what it used to be. \u00a0Fortunately Steve photographed the border of the menu where the tasting menu is listed. \u00a0At any regard, my descriptions probably won&#8217;t do justice to one of the best culinary adventures I&#8217;ve ever had in Texas. \u00a0On an elongated plate came two more of my favorites. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small; font-family: Verdana;\">At left (pictured above) is the tostada de camaron con tortilla acquil y aguachile negro (<em><strong>fresh shrimp aguachiles<\/strong><\/em> with a Yucatan-style black sauce (intense black salsa made with roasted tomatoes and peppers which imbue it with a deep dark color and a gutsy flavor) and micro greens. \u00a0There was so much atop the tostada that I couldn&#8217;t eat it hand-held style as would have been my preference. \u00a0Still who wouldn&#8217;t trade hearty toppings for convenience. \u00a0The black sauce imparts so much flavor and personality that my lips tingled from both the heat and the citrusy tang. \u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-size: small; font-family: Verdana;\">The Taco del dia, a\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-size: small; font-family: Verdana;\">crispy <em><strong>fried shrimp taco<\/strong><\/em> with fresh cabbage, pickled red onion, and caviar, and served with Chile de Arbol and Tomatillo sauces was probably the most piquant item on the tasting menu. \u00a0I always thought chile de arbor and tomatillo would clash, but the pairing proved so concordant that they played a virtual symphony on my taste buds.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_63090\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-63090\" style=\"width: 567px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-63090 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 567px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 567\/700;border: 4px solid black; margin-top: 3px; margin-bottom: 3px;\" data-src=\"https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan13-scaled.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"567\" height=\"700\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan13-scaled.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 2075w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan13-243x300.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 243w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan13-830x1024.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 830w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan13-122x150.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 122w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan13-768x948.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 768w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan13-1245x1536.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1245w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan13-1660x2048.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1660w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan13.jpeg?size=384x474&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 384w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan13.jpeg?size=512x632&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 512w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 567px) 100vw, 567px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-63090\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">From the Tasting Menu: El Ganzo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small; font-family: Verdana;\">The first of two desserts was <em><strong>El Ganzo<\/strong><\/em> (vanilla-nori cake with grilled strawberry jam, soy meringue topped with chocolate glaze, chocolate sprinkles and edible gold foil). \u00a0In the vernacular of Northern New Mexico, El Ganzo translates from Spanish to &#8220;The Turkey,&#8221; but there&#8217;s nothing turkey-like about one of the very best desserts to ever cross my lips. \u00a0The edible gold foil is strictly show; it adds nothing to the deep richness and flavors of a multi-level cake. \u00a0Neither my Kim nor Steve had ever tried gold foil. \u00a0Neither was impressed. \u00a0El Ganzo was inspired by a Mexican snack caked called Gansito. \u00a0It&#8217;s rare that a dessert captures my affections nearly as much as savory items, but this is one special dessert. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small; font-family: Verdana;\">Remarkably, the second dessert may have been even better if that&#8217;s possible. \u00a0In my haste to try it, I neglected to photograph it (which may have been a good thing lest I be haunted by beauty I can taste only in my imagination). \u00a0This amazing dessert is the <em><strong>Camote Ahumado<\/strong><\/em> (smoked sweet potato, miso caramel, candied nuts and soy meringue). \u00a0It was reminiscent of the best sweet potato pie I&#8217;ve ever had times four. \u00a0The candied nuts played foil to the decadent sweetness of other ingredients, all of which worked in the rare harmony that makes the most memorable desserts. \u00a0It&#8217;s a vegan dessert that would convert the most stubborn of carnivores.<br \/>\n<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: small; font-family: Verdana;\">The list of semifinalists in the James Beard Foundation&#8217;s &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/spectrumlocalnews.com\/tx\/south-texas-el-paso\/news\/2023\/01\/26\/the-2023-james-beard-awards-semifinalists-in-texas-\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Best Chef &#8211; Texas<\/strong><\/a>&#8221; category is replete with culinary artists from Austin, San Antonio, Houston, Dallas and Fort Worth. \u00a0Solely perusing that list of heralded chefs might surprise you to find tiny, impoverished little Socorro among the metropolitan giants in the Texas culinary world. \u00a0Visit El Charlatan and the only surprise you&#8217;ll have is how good the fusion of Japanese and Mexican foods can be. \u00a0El Charlatan is one of those rare gems that delivers surprise after surprise.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small; font-family: Verdana;\"><strong>El Charlatan Taqueria Y Ramen-Ya<\/strong><br \/>\n10180 Socorro Road<br \/>\n<strong>Socorro, Texas<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>MOST RECENT VISIT<\/strong>: 26 February 2023<br \/>\n<strong># OF VISITS<\/strong>: 1<br \/>\n<strong>RATING<\/strong>: N\/R<br \/>\n<strong>COST<\/strong>: $$$$<br \/>\n<strong>BEST BET<\/strong>: Tasting Menu, Samurai Ramen, Pork Belly Bao, Fried Chicken Bao, Tofu Tempura Bao, Aguas Frescas, Gansito, Gold Leaf,<br \/>\n<strong>REVIEW #1323<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Everyone should have a friend like Steve Coleman, the erudite owner of Steve&#8217;s Food Page. Not only is he a great guy and a lot of fun to spend time with, he&#8217;s a superb host and tour guide.\u00a0 During a two-day sojourn to &#8220;El Chuco,&#8221; Steve not only showed us the sights, he gave me a much-needed lesson about history New Mexico and Texas share.\u00a0 He explained that during the Pueblo Revolt of 1680, members of the Isleta Pueblo in New Mexico were displaced to El Paso along with O\u00f1ate and the Spaniards.\u00a0 Today, descendants of those Native Americans reside in a Native American Pueblo in the Ysleta section of El Paso just about three miles from El Charlatan, our dining destination.\u00a0 We were looking forward to Steve ferreting us through the historic\u00a0El Paso Mission Trail, a nine-mile route representing a segment of El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro (Royal Road of the Interior), the historic trail that ran from Mexico City to Santa Fe. \u00a0Alas, unseasonably fierce winds (another commonality New Mexico and Texas share) obfuscated our view of the churches as we drove past (at least one of) them. \u00a0On the Fujita Scale, a measure of wind speed,&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":63087,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3627,277,2583,703,36,262,2836,380,222,57,692,727,35,553],"tags":[1314,2753,2774,2620,2747,2749,2750,3126,1837,2746,2745,2752,2744,2754,2748],"class_list":["post-63076","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-james-beard-foundation-best-chef-texas-semifinalist-2024","category-asian","category-closed-in-2023","category-dog-friendly","category-fusion","category-closed","category-james-beard-award-best-chef-restaurants","category-japanese","category-mariscos","category-mexican","category-ramen","category-tacos","category-texas","category-across-america","tag-aguas-frescas","tag-amuse-bouche","tag-chef-enrique-lozano","tag-complimentary-tortillas","tag-fried-chicken-bao","tag-gansito","tag-gold-leaf","tag-james-beard-best-chef-texas-nominee-2023","tag-luchadores","tag-pork-belly-bao","tag-samurai-ramen","tag-socorro-road","tag-tasting-menu","tag-the-bourdain","tag-tofu-tempura-bao"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>El Charlatan - Socorro, Texas (CLOSED) - Gil&#039;s Thrilling (And Filling) Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nmgastronome.com\/?p=63076\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"El Charlatan - Socorro, Texas (CLOSED) - Gil&#039;s Thrilling (And Filling) Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Everyone should have a friend like Steve Coleman, the erudite owner of Steve&#8217;s Food Page. Not only is he a great guy and a lot of fun to spend time with, he&#8217;s a superb host and tour guide.\u00a0 During a two-day sojourn to &#8220;El Chuco,&#8221; Steve not only showed us the sights, he gave me a much-needed lesson about history New Mexico and Texas share.\u00a0 He explained that during the Pueblo Revolt of 1680, members of the Isleta Pueblo in New Mexico were displaced to El Paso along with O\u00f1ate and the Spaniards.\u00a0 Today, descendants of those Native Americans reside in a Native American Pueblo in the Ysleta section of El Paso just about three miles from El Charlatan, our dining destination.\u00a0 We were looking forward to Steve ferreting us through the historic\u00a0El Paso Mission Trail, a nine-mile route representing a segment of El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro (Royal Road of the Interior), the historic trail that ran from Mexico City to Santa Fe. \u00a0Alas, unseasonably fierce winds (another commonality New Mexico and Texas share) obfuscated our view of the churches as we drove past (at least one of) them. \u00a0On the Fujita Scale, a measure of wind speed,&hellip;\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.nmgastronome.com\/?p=63076\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Gil&#039;s Thrilling (And Filling) Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:author\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/nmgastronome\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2023-02-26T06:01:14+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2024-07-25T15:21:20+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.nmgastronome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Charlatan10-scaled.jpeg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2181\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"2560\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Gil Garduno\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Gil Garduno\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"16 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.nmgastronome.com\\\/?p=63076#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.nmgastronome.com\\\/?p=63076\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Gil Garduno\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.nmgastronome.com\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/28268e3f2056794f14f3b1b033bf5cbd\"},\"headline\":\"El Charlatan &#8211; 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