When Yolo Traders Bistro celebrates its first anniversary on Oct. 17, it will be extra special: it’s also their grand reopening. The restaurant has been closed since the end of August following necessary roof repairs. After two months of hard work, everything is in place, spotless and ready to greet customers.
The same menu items people crave will still be there, from Seafood Tartar to Agua Chile to handmade crepes filled with all sorts of unique Sinaloan delicacies, as well as some brand new menu items, including fresh salads.
Owners Gabriel and Alejandra Ibarra say they didn’t waste their time while waiting on those roof repairs. Alejandra has been experimenting with new spices, sauces and ingredients, and says she can’t wait to surprise customers with her new dishes. All the menu items are Alejandra’s creations, with roots in her home town of Mazatlan, Mexico, as well as a truly unique family cuisine heritage.
Beyond the fresh seafood Alejandra grew up with, her mother was also creative in the kitchen, and her French grandfather introduced crepes to the family. A Chinese step-grandmother also added some international flair, and the results of this cultural blend are dishes inspired that truly cannot be found anywhere else on earth except Yolo Traders Bistro — unless one is lucky enough to be amongst Alejandra’s relatives.
“These are my mom’s flavors, but with a twist,” she says.
The food artiste says she is excited to start welcoming customers both old and new when the doors open next week — even more so than when Yolo Traders Bistro first opened, because it’s less mysterious now.
“Now, I know what people appreciate,” she says, adding that she hopes new people will come in and try food they’ve probably never experienced before.
On the other hand, says Gabriel, some customers tell him that the bright, fresh seafood and vegetables, and sweet and spicy sauces remind them of something they have experienced before: beloved vacations, experiences and memories.
“Food has a way of transporting people to their favorite vacation spot and tropical places,” says Gabriel, adding that he’s also looking forward to discovering what his innovative wife comes up with in the kitchen. “I can’t wait to see the next thing that Alejandra will create.”
Just as before, in addition to top-notch fresh seafood, Yolo Traders Bistro menu items will feature local, organic produce wherever possible, and often purchased from local farmers and growers.
“Food is best when it is harvested in season and from local farmers,” says Gabriel, noting that this is the heart of the “farm to fork” movement, which he and Alejandra support. They additionally pay attention to produce grown in an environmentally sensitive way and strive to purchase from these growers as well.
“We will come back with the same flair as before,” assures Gabriel. The only real unknown will be “what will Alejandra do next?”
To find out, stop by 30 Main Street or call 530-794-6262 for reservations. The grand reopening and first anniversary happens on Wednesday, Oct. 17. The hours will be the same as before: Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and 5-9 p.m.