A small food truck in Garland hides a treasure that many Laguneros — the name given to people from Torreon, Coahuila — spent years looking for and finally found in North Texas. The food truck, called Lonches Los Ginos, offers a variety of traditional dishes from the La Laguna region, including tamalitos, Mexican hamburgers, lonches, and gorditas. The latter two are the most popular among the customers, and they are a staple of the region’s cuisine.
Torreon is a city in the state of Coahuila, located 800 miles south of Dallas. The city is part of the region known as La Laguna, or “The Lagoon.” It also goes by la Comarca Lagunera, or “The Lagoon Region,” because in ancient times, there was a cluster of 13 lagoons. That’s where the nickname “Laguneros” comes from for people from Torreon. The region has a rich history and culture, and its cuisine is a big part of that. The dishes from La Laguna are known for their unique flavors and ingredients, which are often influenced by the region’s geography and climate.
Two of the area’s most traditional dishes are lonches, a sandwich made with “pan Frances” or “French bread.” The bread is similar to the Mexican roll used for tortas, though it’s softer. The gorditas of Torreon are made with a very specific flour tortilla that is thick, soft, and slightly puffy. They are filled with ingredients like beans, cheese, meats, or stews. These dishes are not only delicious but also hold a special place in the hearts of the people from La Laguna.
“When people come and try our lonches, they always tell me that it reminds them of Torreon,” said Elizabeth Colmenero, owner of Lonches Los Ginos in Garland. “Sometimes they haven’t been there for 20, 25, 30, or even 40 years, and they tell me I brought them a little piece of Torreon to Dallas, Texas.” This is exactly what Colmenero aimed for when she started her food truck. She wanted to bring a taste of her hometown to the people of North Texas, and she has been successful in doing so.
Colmenero began selling lonches a year after she arrived in Dallas in 2015. The lack of dishes in North Texas restaurants motivated her to experiment with them until she found what worked. Then, she began offering them to other people from Coahuila. Her food truck quickly gained popularity, and now it’s a go-to place for people looking for authentic La Laguna cuisine.
“It gives me a lot of pride to listen to those people. I feel happy with myself because I know I’m doing well so I earn their compliments and recommendations,” said Colmenero. She takes pride in her work and is committed to serving the best possible dishes to her customers. Her dedication to her craft is evident in the quality of the food she serves, and it’s one of the reasons why her food truck has been so successful.
The secret to Colmenero’s success lies in her attention to detail and her commitment to using only the freshest ingredients. She and her husband Juan prepare the pan Frances every day at Lonches Los Ginos to offer their customers the closest taste to what they used to eat in their hometown. The bread is made from scratch, and it’s a key component of the lonches. The precursor of French bread, as the name implies, is in the French baguette. Although the principle is the same, the difference is in its preparation, as the dough for French bread must be left to rest to ensure it is more fluffy once it is baked.
This lonche bread is then filled with mayonnaise and mustard, some protein, such as marinated meat, carnitas, barbecue, ham with cheese, pork loin, or pork leg; and you add toppings and more condiments such as avocado, cabbage, onion, tomato, and chili peppers or salsa. The combination of flavors and textures is what makes the lonches so special, and it’s something that Colmenero has perfected over the years.
“Every time you take a bite, you get all the flavors, and it’s a delight,” said Colmenero. She’s right; the lonches are a delight, and they’re a must-try for anyone looking for authentic La Laguna cuisine. The gorditas are a bit more elaborate since the filling must be prepared in advance and are usually stews that can include meat with potatoes in sauce, rajas with cream, egg in sauce, roasted red meat, beans with cheese, picadillo, or cheese.
The most traditional gorditas in Torreon are flour gorditas. Still, you can also find corn gorditas that aren’t fried and fried gorditas, which are called gorditas inflates because they are inflated when they are put in oil. A filling of vegetables, cheese, and cream is placed in the hollow cavity. The gorditas are a staple of the La Laguna region, and they’re a popular dish among the locals.
Both the lonches and the gorditas de harina found their niche in Torreon because the region is one of the great wheat-producing regions in Mexico. As wheat is more plentiful than corn, flour tortillas and bread are more commonly consumed than corn tortillas in the northern part of the country. This is reflected in the cuisine of the region, which features a lot of dishes made with flour tortillas and bread.
After three years selling food from her food truck, Colmenero’s dream is to turn Lonches Los Ginos into a restaurant where she continues the family tradition of cooking authentic Torreon food. She’s working hard to make this dream a reality, and she’s confident that she’ll be able to bring a taste of La Laguna to the people of North Texas.
“My business is named like this because in Mexico, me and my brothers were called los Ginos, for being my mom’s children, Georgina [Gina],” she explained. The five stars in the business’ logo mean something too: they represent Colmenero’s mom, dad, siblings, and herself. This personal touch is what sets Lonches Los Ginos apart from other food trucks, and it’s a testament to Colmenero’s commitment to her family and her heritage.
“Every day, I feel like this is honoring the family heritage and remember all those that aren’t here with me in the U.S., which happens to many immigrant people,” she said. Colmenero’s story is one of perseverance and dedication, and it’s an inspiration to anyone who’s ever chased their dreams. She’s proof that with hard work and determination, anything is possible, and she’s living her dream of sharing the cuisine of her hometown with the people of North Texas.
Lonches Los Ginos is located at 3501 Forest Lane, Garland. Customers can order online at orderloncheslosginos.com. Whether you’re a fan of traditional Mexican cuisine or just looking to try something new, Lonches Los Ginos is a must-visit destination. The food is delicious, the service is friendly, and the atmosphere is welcoming. It’s the perfect place to experience the flavors and traditions of La Laguna.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Lonches Los Ginos is a food truck that serves authentic La Laguna cuisine in North Texas. The truck is owned by Elizabeth Colmenero, who is dedicated to sharing the traditions and flavors of her hometown with the people of Dallas. The menu features a variety of dishes, including lonches, gorditas, and tamalitos, all made with fresh ingredients and a lot of love. Whether you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine or just looking to try something new, Lonches Los Ginos is a must-visit destination.
FAQs
Q: What type of cuisine does Lonches Los Ginos serve?
A: Lonches Los Ginos serves authentic La Laguna cuisine, which is a type of Mexican cuisine from the state of Coahuila.
Q: What are the most popular dishes at Lonches Los Ginos?
A: The most popular dishes at Lonches Los Ginos are the lonches and gorditas, which are made with fresh ingredients and are a staple of the La Laguna region.
Q: Where is Lonches Los Ginos located?
A: Lonches Los Ginos is located at 3501 Forest Lane, Garland, Texas.
Q: Can I order online from Lonches Los Ginos?
A: Yes, customers can order online from Lonches Los Ginos at orderloncheslosginos.com.
