Ernesto Valle used to be known as the guy who cuts meat in the middle of nowhere. He opened Lobo Butcher Shop in Guadalupe four and a half years ago when the economy was still hurting from the pandemic. āFor a couple months, I thought I was going to shut down in my first year,ā […]
food truck
A day in the life of Santa Mariaās tamale lady
Brrring: When the clock strikes 1 a.m., Beth Rangelās alarm sounds. Soon after, she starts cooking meat and prepping ingredients to make the dayās batch of tamales. Call BethBethās Tamales and Tacos opens at 11 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday and at 10 a.m. Friday and Saturday, closing at 11 p.m. On Sundays itās open from […]
The Culture food trailer wants to give you the best smashburger youāve ever eaten
During the busiest shifts at his food trailer, Willie Galvan can crank out a smashburger in 10 or 11 minutes. When thereās no line, he can do it in five. āThe buns take longer to toast than the burgers,ā the Santa Maria native said. After an order comes in, he toasts the buns and heats […]

