Lupita's Kitchen Has Something For Just About Every Dixonite

Moving from Guanajuato, Mexico to Dixon with her family two decades ago, Isabel Gonzalez decided to open (Bakery) and fulfill a dream.

“Growing up in Mexico, I'd always been interested in baking, and wanted to take on the challenge of translating some of our family recipes to a commercial operation,” she said.

Her family supported her all the way; though there was some debate over what to call Isabel's dream-turned-into-reality.

“We finally settled on Lupita's because it's a word that sounds so sweet,” she said.

Today, Isabel oversees an operation which has expanded and diversified. The original bakery continues to thrive. Aided by her Uncle Rodolfo during the first 10 years of bakery operations, Isabel refined her family's recipes and came up with a roster of treats Dixonites from a variety of cultural backgrounds enjoy. The popular sweet tamale is a Lupita's innovation incorporating the concept of rolling a wrapping around interior goodies, in this case, fillings such as strawberry preserves and cream cheese.

The butcher shop features organic Harris Ranch prime cuts of beef along with chorizo (sausage) made spicy or mild on the premises. Chicken, pork and fresh seafood are also featured in the gleaming glass-fronted display case.

In the same building, Lupita's Restaurant is a sitdown space decorated with Mexican artwork (including reproductions of iconic works by Diego Rivera). The menu features burritos, tacos, menudo, nachos, salads and other familiar and/or exotic (depending on your experience with Mexican food) dishes. Everything is authentically prepared with a Guanajuato flair spicewise. With a grin, Isabel issued the warning that the hot salsa is made at Lupita's with chile de Arbol entero, a nearly spontaneously combustible chile.

“Yes, it's very hot, but some of our customers like it like that,” she said.

Lupita's is also a retail grocery store featuring such “productos Mexicanos” as fresh produce, packaged spices, canned goods, beer and sundries.

“When we first opened 15 years ago, most of our customers were from Mexico,” Isabel said. “Now Dixon includes a growing population of families from South America. Many have their own recipes and we've expanded our stock to accommodate their tastes.”

Dixonites of European background too are learning the tasty advantages of shopping and dining at Lupita's. says Isabel, who has noticed that Lupita's clientele has diversified over the years. The friendly Lupita's staff are happy to recommend optimum spice combinations and ingredients for recipes customers bring in with questions.

Lupita's Restaurant/Bakery:

490 North Adams Street

Dixon, CA 95620

(707) 678-8820