When I was younger, my mom and I would wake up early—really early—on freezing December mornings and head out to Roy, Washington, to pick up the lamb we’d be cooking for the weekend. I can still see the frost-covered fields, the mist rising from the earth, and feel the sharp sting of cold air on my face as we made our way to the farm.
My mom had a way of turning even the simplest tasks into lessons that would stay with me for life. Choosing the right lamb was no exception. She would stand beside me, her voice steady and confident:
“Mija, it’s easy. Pick the lamb with the little black head. Those are the Dorpers—the best. If we were talking about beef, they’d be Angus. Always pick the best.”
At the time, I didn’t fully understand the significance of that lesson. To me, a lamb was just a lamb. But my mom knew better. Dorpers weren’t just any sheep—they were the gold standard. Their meat was rich, tender, and perfectly marbled, with just the right balance of flavor and fat. Unlike other breeds, they were resilient, thriving in harsh conditions—strong, efficient, and naturally superior.
But my mom wasn’t just teaching me about lamb—she was teaching me about life. About setting a standard, about taking pride in what you do, and about never cutting corners. Those early morning trips weren’t just about choosing lamb for the weekend; they were about understanding the value of quality, of tradition, of doing things the right way—even when no one is watching.
Years later, when it came time to name our business, there was only one choice:
La Oveja Negra.
It’s more than just a name—it’s a commitment to excellence and a nod to the lessons my mother instilled in me. Every dish, every cut, every ingredient we choose is guided by the same principle she taught me on those cold Washington mornings:
"Always pick the best."
Steamed slowly for over eight hours, each strand of lamb barbacoa glistens with its own natural juices, a mesmerizing balance between succulent tenderness and a hint of crispiness from the outer edges.
Steamed slowly for over eight hours, each strand of lamb barbacoa glistens with its own natural juices, a mesmerizing balance between succulent tenderness and a hint of crispiness from the outer edges.
Steamed slowly for over eight hours, each strand of lamb barbacoa glistens with its own natural juices, a mesmerizing balance between succulent tenderness and a hint of crispiness from the outer edges.
Pancita, As it steams inside the maguey leaves, it absorbs all the juices and seasonings, resulting in an intensely rich and mouthwatering flavor.
Pancita, As it steams inside the maguey leaves, it absorbs all the juices and seasonings, resulting in an intensely rich and mouthwatering flavor.
Pancita, As it steams inside the maguey leaves, it absorbs all the juices and seasonings, resulting in an intensely rich and mouthwatering flavor
More than just a broth, consomé con barbacoa is a rich, soul-warming dish where tender, slow-cooked lamb meets its own deeply flavorful juices. As the barbacoa steams inside the maguey-lined pit, its natural drippings slowly infuse the broth with an unmatched depth of smoky, savory goodness.
More than just a broth, consomé con barbacoa is a rich, soul-warming dish where tender, slow-cooked lamb meets its own deeply flavorful juices. As the barbacoa steams inside the maguey-lined pit, its natural drippings slowly infuse the broth with an unmatched depth of smoky, savory goodness.
Steamed slowly for over eight hours, each strand of lamb barbacoa glistens with its own natural juices, a mesmerizing balance between succulent tenderness and a hint of crispiness from the outer edges.
Pancita, As it steams inside the maguey leaves, it absorbs all the juices and seasonings, resulting in an intensely rich and mouthwatering flavor
Pancita, As it steams inside the maguey leaves, it absorbs all the juices and seasonings, resulting in an intensely rich and mouthwatering flavor
Unwrap a tamal de rajas, and let the steam carry its intoxicating aroma—earthy masa, fire-roasted chiles, and the deep, herbal scent of banana leaves.
As you gently unwrap the tamal verde de pollo, the banana leaf peels away to reveal a soft, golden masa, still glistening with steam.
As you unwrap the red tamale, the first thing that hits you is the deep, smoky aroma of dried chiles, slow-cooked pork, and warm masa, all infused with the delicate scent of the banana leaf that cradled it during steaming.
Nothing completes the barbacoa experience quite like handmade tortillas—fresh, warm, and bursting with the rich aroma of nixtamalized corn.
This beloved Mexican agua fresca is made from soaked rice, cinnamon, and vanilla, blended into a silky, dreamy elixir that’s both refreshing and comforting
Made from dried hibiscus flowers steeped in water, this iconic Mexican drink carries a naturally tart and slightly cranberry-like flavor, balanced with a touch of sugar or agave to round out its acidity.
Made from dried hibiscus flowers steeped in water, this iconic Mexican drink carries a naturally tart and slightly cranberry-like flavor, balanced with a touch of sugar or agave to round out its acidity.
Brewed in a traditional clay pot (olla de barro), this iconic Mexican coffee isn’t just about caffeine—it’s about depth, culture, and nostalgia.
Champurrado: A Velvety Mexican Chocolate Drink with a Soulful Embrace
¿Buscas hacer de tu evento una celebración inolvidable? ¡Nuestra barbacoa, pancita y consomé sorprenderán a tus invitados!
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