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11:11 Sabores del Pueblo got a visit from Rainn Wilson on Sept. 9. MIGUEL LARIOS — COURTESY
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11:11 Sabores del Pueblo got a visit from Rainn Wilson on Sept. 9. MIGUEL LARIOS — COURTESY
Last month, local Woodland Mexican restaurant 11:11 Sabores del Pueblo got a visit from actor Rainn Wilson, known for his role as Dwight Schrute in NBC’s “The Office.”
Miguel Larios, owner of 11:11 Sabores del Pueblo, says Wilson’s visit surprised him and his staff, as they were not expecting it. The restaurant was previously closed on Wednesdays, but because they were closed on Labor Day earlier in the week, they decided to open on Wednesday.
“We were not planning on opening the restaurant that day, but our good friend JB Eckl, a local musician, called us and asked if we were open because his friend [Wilson] was driving down I-5 and saw reviews of our place and wanted to try it out,” Larios shares. “Eckl shared with him that it was a good place, as we are one of his favorite restaurants in Woodland.”
Larios admits he initially did not recognize Wilson, as he and his staff are not fully familiar with American TV shows. But when he later learned about him, he felt honored that he had chosen to dine there.
“We didn’t know who he was at first, as we’re not familiar with American TV shows, but a few days later Eckl told us who he was, and we felt deeply flattered and excited for his visit to our place,” he said.
Larios shares that Wilson was very kind, educated, and curious to learn more about the food.
“He was curious to learn more about our Mexican food. He asked for recommendations and about our popular plate of birria and asked what it was and where it came from,” Larios said. “After explaining it, he decided to order that and our tacos with tortillas made by hand. When he left, he said it was definitely some of the best tacos he’s eaten.”
11:11 Sabores del Pueblo is located at 154 W Main St. in Woodland. It first opened its doors on Dec. 5, 2024, and has since brought authentic Mexican flavors and a warm, welcoming atmosphere ot the Woodland community.
Additionally, Larios said that, nearing his second year open to the Woodland community, he’s looking forward to bringing in more customers and expanding his visibility.
“Our first year was tough, but thanks to the support from the community and our clients, we have been able to move ahead,” he said. “We want to continue to give it widespread publicity because, thanks to all this, our business has had a positive impact, and many people who didn’t know us before now do, and have become our customers.”
He hopes to continue highlighting their Mexican cuisine.
“We want to highlight our Mexican village cuisine,” Larios said. “We are very grateful for all of the positive feedback about our food, and we are always working to improve and grow and make everyone feel at home and bring the authentic taste of home with the magic of our food.”
11:11 Sabores del Pueblo is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., but closed on Mondays.
