It never ceases to amaze me that some of the very best restaurants in this city are yet-to-be-discovered by you adventurous readers.



Please understand that because I write this column, I often get e-mails from readers and text messages from friends seeking input on where they should go for any kind of food, environment and fun.



Don’t get me wrong, I love connecting you with these locations and ideas, but one question continues to surface, and I’m completely dumbfounded that you don’t all know the answer to it:



Where should I go for good Mexican food?



If you have to ask this question, you’ve obviously never been to Vuelve A La Vida.

Let me say it again so you’ll remember: Vuelve A La Vida, Vuelve A La Vida, VUELVE A LA VIDA.



This restaurant is located on 53rd and Pacific Avenue, and if you haven’t been, words can’t convey all that you’re missing.



I had heard so much about Vuelve from several in-the-know locals who empirically knew that it really does offer the most perfect and the very best Mexican eats in town. Thus, I wanted my first experience with it to be special. Pappi Swarner was a natural in breaking me in, and I’ve been hopelessly devoted ever since.



Here’s how you’ll KNOW it’s the best, most-authentic Mexican food in Tacoma: There aren’t many white people there.



This restaurant churns out such delicious cuisine, so much so that Vuelve A La Vida is one of the rare establishments where I really do recommend each and every item on the menu. You truly can’t go wrong.



Their kitchen, open for view, prepares unbelievable carne asada, top-notch tortillas and items that you simply won’t see at most Mexican restaurants in South Puget Sound, such as marinated goat meat and beef tongue tacos.



A word to the wise: don’t try to order mixed drinks at Vuelve because they don’t carry hard alcohol. This restaurant is prime for a quintessential, ice-cold, Mexican beer to accompany that tasty food.



What’s even better is that Vuelve A La Vida has reasonable prices.



Vuelve is bustling during the dinner hours, but I’ve always lucked out and scored a table. If you want to try this place out during a lighter rush, I recommend heading there for lunch (something I really like to sneak in even though their location is nowhere near my office).



Sometimes I think that this establishment remains a mystery to the masses because those of us who know about it don’t want you to eat all of those yummy tamales before we get there.

But I’ve never been that good at keeping juicy secrets, which is why I hope you’ll treat yourself to some Vuelve a La Vida Prrrronto!



[Vuelve A La Vida, 5310 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.473.7068]



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