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Fresh Mex Food in Carmel Valley Remains Popular for Decades L ucy Zarazua smiles broadly at visitors who enter her small restau- rant in Carmel Valley Village. Taqueria del Valle has been popular for 23 years, and even a delivery person stops to give her a big hug. "We all love Lucy," he says. "Being here is like therapy for me," Zarazua says. "If you do what you love, it is not work. I've seen kids come in and then grow up and get married. " Popular both with locals and the increasing visitor traffic enjoying Valley wine tasting, the little Mexican restaurant is known for items like chile verde: "we make it from scratch, and roast and peel 40 pounds of chiles a week." She has traditional tamales of chicken and cheese, and at times, sweet tamales with coconut, pineapple, vanilla, and raisins. "You eat it with coffee for breakfast," she says. "Mexican food is delicious." Chicken breasts and top sirloin are used in the dishes. Zarazua says, "We try to use the best meat." After learning to cook from her mother in her native Mexico, Zarazua moved to Carmel Valley in 1963, where she began working for the Panetta family, caring for the eldest two children of Sylvia and Leon, the former Director of the Central Intelligence Agency. "When he was at the White House, I took care of Sylvia's mom," she says. "I would greet people at the gate when he was in Congress. They are really good friends and really wonderful people." Zarazua also can't say enough about the Valley residents. "The people are so nice out here," she says. "When you move to the Valley, you come to Paradise." Taqueria del Valle is located at 19 E. Carmel Valley Road in Carmel Valley. For reservations call 831/659-1373. —Brett Wilbur SHORTCUTS BUSINESS Lucy Zarazua, along with son Carlos (pictured) and nephew Roberto, has run Taqueria del Valle, a popular lunch and dinner Mexican restau- rant in Carmel Valley Village, for 23 years. Visitors enjoy fresh ingredients and generously sized dishes prepared to order. 62 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • W I N T E R 2 0 1 5 Photo: Kelli Uldall