Perla Rios’ Passion For Unusual Mexican Delicacies
BY ISAIAH FRIZZELL
Next to Atkinsons’ Market in Hailey is Perla Rios’ Antojitos Locos, just a few doors from Shorty’s Diner with the hot neon sign.
Perla’s Mango Deluxe
What is a mangonada? A wonderfully exciting, pureed mango smoothie swirled with delicious chamoy, accessed with the ever adorable tamarind straw. The drink’s presentation alone is pure seduction—a striking, golden hue with marbled swirls of deep chamoy crimson. The bulging tamarind straw, wide like a boba tea straw with the added treat of a tangy tamarind (mixed with chili powder and sugar) coating at the top, explodes in a spicy-tangy-sweet symphony. You nibble and it adds just the right ‘everything,’ granting ultimate access and exquisite excess.
Chamoy is the beloved, if not demanded, condiment, simply unique, atop so much Latino food and snacks. A blend of apricot, plum, chili powder, salt and lime juice, it works with almost anything and, in the mangonada, is the ‘chef’s kiss’ of blends—sweet, sour, tangy, just enough salt to balance the sugar and pure mango seduction. If you haven’t had one, what are you doing?!
Enter Madame Rios
Perla Rios is the chef/owner of Antojitos Locos. Her poise and beauty are striking and immediately ingratiating. She’s beneficent and agile with a sense of humor that only a woman of passion and focus can exude—even during the lunch rush! We met when the place was teeming with guests—pretty much how they stay all day, hey hey! Antojitos Locos is hopping 24/7.
Rios has been in the Valley since 2005. A huge fan of comedy films, romance novels and exercise, Rios exemplifies health, fitness, happiness and creativity. Rios began at home making her own mangonadas, tostilocos (cucumber, jicama, Japanese peanuts, chicharones, chamoy, lime, and hot sauce), and strawberries with cream.
After a brief stint in Bellevue at Chapalitas Market, before they sold, her food had great community success. With opportunity, she moved into the ultimate spot in downtown Hailey.
“I started creating more things to expand my menu and make our business a Mexican snack restaurant where everyone from Hailey, or anywhere, could eat and enjoy our crepes, our cakes, our Mexican munchies,” Rios laughs. Antojitos is a fresh experience of wholesome joy. Behind the counter the women juice fresh vegetables and fruits, blend and mix and chat happily—an absolute vibe.
Rios has been building her menu since 2006. With rich inventions and combinations, they serve infinite delights. Ceviche on tortilla crisps with shrimp and avocado, chicken poblano soup, fried plantains with ice cream, 100% natural juices every day—anything you’d like to combine, they do.
Similar to the coffeehouse obsession of America, Mexico has a fresh juice house on nearly every corner. Healing and healthy, it’s one of those things you fall in love with there. Rios is doing it here in a striking interior full of fun neon, impeccable lines, an Instagram-worthy green turf wall and plenty of seating. With farm fresh ingredients and constant invention, the delicious concoctions solidify Rios as a woman of sublime righteousness—a true Valley legend.
Check out Antojitos Locos and talk to Perla Rios.
Open Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Next door to Shorty’s at 126 S. Main St., A8, Hailey, ID 83333
Visit at: facebook.com/AntojitosLocosFL
