My Small Town Strolls - Part One

The last cold blasts of late winter wind and rain have finally started to subside here in Tieton, a “Small but Mighty” town in Central Washington state, and today I’m taking photos and chatting with local business owners who are cleaning their outdoor tables and unfurling colorful umbrellas to welcome the busy summer months.

Many years ago, I traveled through several regions of Mexico to help improve my Spanish language skills through practical, “full immersion”, and made it a point to avoid English-speaking tourist destinations, whose visitors too often overlook the lifestyles, languages, and cultural treasures that exist outside their familiar worlds. Since then, I’ve continued to use this same immersion technique to initiate friendly conversations with local Tieton residents who speak both English and Spanish. While I am still short of my goal to become fully bilingual, I’m always trying to improve, and have never forgotten a important reminder that I received from one of my teachers: “you learn by making mistakes!” I acknowledge that I have frequently been a living example for fulfilling this wise advice. 

In this post, I’ll be introducing you to several members of the local Tieton community, which include a variety of practical entrepreneurs as well as adventuresome “artistes” and artisans who have relocated to—and helped enliven—our unique little town. 

Don Mateo

Francisco and Bessie Ochoa prepare delicious Mexican and Salvadorean food in their busy cocina (kitchen.) You can dine in-house, or call ahead for take out or larger deliveries. They would also love to cater your favorite special event. Don’t miss a jar of their homemade mole to elevate your own cooking to a new level!

(509) 901-5963 (Phone or text)
franochoa04@gmail.com
Follow them on Facebook: @Don Mateo

El Jefe Coffee

In 2021, a drive through Tieton led Scott Mowrey to an old filling station—an ideal spot for a new coffee roastery. Drawn to the town’s energy and support, he founded El Jefe Coffee to bring better coffee to Central Washington. More than just a roastery, it’s a place for people to explore specialty coffee, refine their palates, and deepen their knowledge. Read more about El Jefe’s story…

Fernando’s

Fernando and his wife Issa oversee a lively gathering place for Tieton’s residents. They open early to serve hearty Mexican breakfasts and continue offering their hospitality until 2 pm every day except Sunday. For the especially thirsty, they include cold bottled beers, soft drinks, and mineral water to complement their wide range of authentic dishes.

During the Tieton “Community Days” celebration, Fernando’s restaurant corner is transformed into “Party Central” surrounded by the yearly Street Dance for all to enjoy.