Many restaurants claim to offer authentic Mexican foods. But to make that claim you must have more than skill and a cookbook. It takes wide ranging experience and talent.

El Catrin in White Center at 9641 15th Ave. S.W. has plenty.

Jared Velazquez, his son Abi, and his brother Chef Noe Velazquez have taken their years of cooking at nearby Nobel Barton and at El Sirenito in Georgetown and combined it with Noe's years of traveling all over Mexico as a truck driver. Jared explained, "When you are a driver you learn all the best places to eat and all the best foods. So Noe was a driver for more than twenty years before becoming a sous chef." it also means the variety of foods offered at El Catrin represents many of the cuisines found across Mexico. As you'd expect, the foods from the coast are different from those farther inland. 

Abi noted that they want to distinguish themselves by offering Mexican stews called Guisados. Among those are Peurco Verde (tender chunks of braised pork in a slightly spicy, slightly smoky green tomatillo sauce), Asado De Puerco (a specialty of northern Mexico. A combination of dried ancho and cascabel chiles, a few spices and a bit of vinegar stewed with pork), Chicharon Ranchero (Pork cracklings in Mexican red salsa) , Bistec Ranchero (Beef tips Mexican style) and others.

Another specialty are Chilaquiles which feature lightly fried corn tortillas cut into quarters and topped with green or red salsa (the red is slightly spicier).

You can also find Caldos like Pozole (Pork and Hominy soup with lettuce, onion, oregano, and jalapeño served with chips), Pollo (Chicken soup with corn, cabbage, carrot, potato, and zucchini served with rice and tortillas) and others.

But don't miss their Mexican Street Tacos (15 different kinds), or the Sopes (thick corn masa cakes topped with black beans and your choice of meat, crema, and vegetables).

Quesadillas, Tortas (Mexican sandwiches) and Mulitas are also on the main menu. 

El Catrin can be reached by calling 206-708-6341; and found on Facebook. They are open daily 10 a.m. to 8 

They don't have any delivery deals set up but parking is easy out front, and the restaurant will seat more than 40 people.