La Loteria — Restaurant in Tellico Plains

Last week Charlie & I ate out at our new Loteria (Lottery/Bingo)Mexican restaurant. I asked the owner/manager(?) if they were going to make some Christmas tamales. He seemed surprised that someone in Tellico Plains TN knew about traditional tamales at Christmas. He said that his extended family was coming in and that yes, they would be making tamales on Christmas Eve. I asked if they would make us some and they did. We picked them up today and let me tell you THEY ARE GREAT! Memories of El Paso Christmases long ago. The tradition of Mexican families getting together on Christmas Eve and making massive amounts & varieties of tamales is a cherished activity in the Hispanic culture. It takes a lot of people and a lot of time. Family generations have such fun making them, passing along the tradition & sharing memories. I hope this new eatery makes a lasting go of it here in Tellico Plains. I am so glad they made some for us and shared this tradition. Maybe in the future I can get us invited to make some. I would love to have Charlie experience this activity first hand. Feliz Navidad y Prospero Ano Nuevo por la familia de la Loteria! Gracias,...

When my food came to my table, the outside of my Burrito didn't seem to be hot. After cutting into it, the inside was 'cold to the touch. I brought it up to my server, she asked, "Do you want me to put it in the microwave?" I said, "No, make me a new one." (If I wanted re-heated food, I would have stayed home.) She brought out the new one and practically threw in on the table. (Attitude #1) I noticed the lettuce and mixed vegetables were in separate bowls, she said, "The inside may have been cool because of the vegetables. I placed my hand about an inch or two over the 'new Burrito and it was clearly 'hot.' I told her, "The first one wasn't even warm." She keeped reiterating that it had been cooked. (Attitude #2) A, The customer is always right. B, Leave your attitude at home. C, Don't make excuses, just make it right. I for one, will not be...

I eat here about once a week, usually Tuesday evening. I'll use call in ordering if I don't go in person when I want good Mexican food. The only issue that I've seen is that when patrons enter, it sometimes takes a minute or two before the staff acknowledge them and get them seated. I typically shake the front door as I open it due to the large cowbell on it. This makes it ring louder and alert the staff quicker. My opinion is it is the best mexican food in our town/local area, because it doesn't rely on a bunch of americanized dishes. Instead, La Loteria has a huge selection of authentic mexican dishes that are a refreshing change from the bland flavors many Americans prefer because they haven't expanded...