Pepino's, Rylstone

People travel all the way from Mudgee to eat at Pepino's. This Mexican restaurant on the main street of Rylstone has an intriguing Stephen King connection. Holly Harris's father started a Mexican restaurant in Maine where Stephen King was a frequent patron.

He was such a frequent visitor that Pepino's featured in one of his books, "11.22.63". There is even a copy in the restaurant and a copy of the book the page marked with a bulldog clip, PEPINO's in all caps.

Holly worked for many years in the Maine kitchen learning the menu and trade. Then she and her husband Grant brought a similar menu first to Gladesville in Sydney and then to Rylstone after making the tree-change.

"I wish I had done this (moved to Rylstone) years ago," says Holly. She explains that they pay one tenth of the rent they did in Sydney and the customers are happy to have Pepino's here.

The menu stays faithful to the Maine version with a few additions. Holly added the jalapeno poppers and the con queso dip, a must order delicious cheese dip with tomatoes, onions and jalapenos with corn chips. Make sure to order the sangria (sold by the glass or carafe) too.

Mains are sizeable and my favourites are the Burrito El Grande that comes with rice, salsa fresca, guacamole and chilli con carne. The battered fish tacos and the fajitas with chorizo are also delicious.

Save room too for the sombrero chocolate pie or the margarita pie (like a frozen cheesecake flavoured with tequila and lime).

This meal was independently paid for.

Pepino's

61 Louee Street Crn Cudgegong and, Louee St, Rylstone NSW 2849
Closed Monday to Wednesday
Thursday & Friday 5:30–9:30pm
Saturday & Sunday 12–2pm, 5:30–10:30pm
Phone: 0458 888 359