El Ruiseñor

I visited this place to purchase cooking goodies for my family. Living in Maine selection is pretty slim and I know they would love this stuff. We showed up as they were closing but were ushered in with lots of smiles! I had a couple things I knew I wanted but also wanted to explore. We were treated to lots of samples and tons of awesome help. Ended up getting some great recipes, delicious spices/​nuts/​dried fruit and having a wonderful chat with the helpful, sweet gentleman (I should have asked his name!!). He was so excited about their products and was so stoked that I was excited too. Ended up walking out with some amazing Christmas presents for my family and some tasty treats for my roommate and I. Andddd as if the great service was not enough, I was given a great El Ruisenor apron as a gift. Will tell ALL my fellow cooks to come here!

I discovered this little place while I was looking for a place to eat my lunch, and smelled it from the intersection while on my motorcycle. So I had to pull in and eat my lunch and check it out. And I am so glad I did. This place smells so good it’s almost indescribable.
The manager Ernesto is very knowledgeable and extremely helpful. While they carry most of their product in gigantic 5 pound bags they will open then up and get you out any amount you request. You can ask for .25 worth of something and they will make it happen. I bought Cumin there today and 2.5oz cost me something like .70! At Vons the McCormick brand 1.5oz is $ 9.15! Ummmm ya you do the math…
The dried chilies are prefect, there not totally dry and are still pliable. Think a fruit roll up that’s been left out for 12 – 24 hours. They make some of the best base for chili that i’ve ever had and the chili colorado sauce you can make with them is to die for!
I have competed in and judged chili competitions in Oklahoma And Texas and have seen a large amount of ingredients, and have never [ever] seen quality chilies like they have here!
They also have a huge selection of bulk candies and chocolate covered nuts and the like. As well as a few refrigerated items.
I will typically go there 2 – 4 times a month for stuff to cook with. I went there today and bought about 1.25−1.75 pounds of dried chills [yes that’s a lot when it comes to volume], 2.5oz of cumin, and 1.5oz of ground habanero. The total was barely over $ 9! it’s unreal how cheap their prices are. It’s well worth the drive down there for me. I can not say enough good things about these people and their product.
And this makes only the 3^rd place i’ve given 5 stars to on here, and as many of you all know I do tend to judge Mexican restaurants/​stores a little more harshly as I consider my self a bit of a Mexican food snob.