The longing to eat a real Mexican taco motivated Rafael Quepons - Ralfy, as his friends call him - to open Taqueria Rafaelito’s, in 2023. “I missed the taste of tacos from Tijuana, my hometown. That’s how it occurred to me to open a taqueria in Anchorage and proudly represent the traditional gastronomy of Mexico,” he said.
Ralfy and the restaurant’s chef traveled to various cities such as Morelia, Guadalajara and Mexico City with the idea of replicating the flavors and textures of the original recipes from famous restaurants in the Mexican country. “They taught us their family recipes and culinary secrets and we imprinted our art in the kitchen in our own style,” he said.
The best-selling taco fillings are traditional ones such as al pastor (seasoned and marinated pork), suadero (flank steak), asada or tripa (marinated tripe). However, the innovation with fish or seafood tacos (halibut, salmon and shrimp) has been applauded by the public and highly desired, in addition to accompanying products such as quesadillas, beans and refreshing drinks as Jamaica water and horchata. “The dressings and fillings are made with fresh ingredients. We do not use canned or artificial products. These characteristics make our tacos a quality product,” he noted.
Ralfy oversees installation of the restaurant’s kitchen machinery, they call him the “engineer.” And no wonder, he also owns a German car repair shop, a trade that he learned from his father. The business is called Culmination MotorSports and has been offering this service for 15 years. In addition, he is an aircraft propulsion turbine mechanic, a title he acquired when he completed his military career in Anchorage. He has two sons, one of them is his right-hand man in the business.
“I remember when we arrived in 1991 with my parents and my five brothers to Alaska. We drove from Tijuana to Anchorage. This American dream has been given to me with the success of my businesses and my gratitude for the hospitality and affection of the people of Alaska is infinite.”
The taqueria is located at 160 W 91st Ave A. It is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm.
