Celebrate Independence with Caldereta and Cold Ube Horchata

Fourth of July is almost here. The fireworks are coming. The lawn chairs are coming. That one uncle who yells “MERICA” every time someone lights a sparkler—he’s definitely coming. So why not beat him to it and declare independence from boring cookouts this year?

Because let’s face it: hot dogs are fine. Burgers are okay. But what if this year, you showed up with a tray of beef caldereta and a cooler full of cold ube horchata, and suddenly everyone looked at you like you were the Founding Father of flavor?

“Oh wow, you brought real food.”
Exactly. You’re welcome, America.

This July 4th, we at Lechon Loco in Tacoma are helping you level up your patriotism with Filipino-Mexican-American fusion, because nothing says freedom like doing brunch with beef stew and drinking a purple drink that’s way too pretty to be this powerful.

What Even Is Caldereta (and Why Are You Missing Out)?

First, let’s talk caldereta. If you’ve never had it, that’s okay. We forgive you. But just know you’ve been living a life without slow-cooked beef in a rich tomato sauce with veggies and that subtle, “Oh wow, is that liver spread?” vibe that makes it addictive.

It’s like if beef stew went to culinary school and then came back with a degree in “flavor intensity and emotional support.”

At Lechon Loco, our caldereta is Filipino-style with a little Mexican flair, and it hits different. We don’t just toss in ingredients and hope for the best. We braise. We simmer. We whisper affirmations to it. It’s deep, it’s rich, and it sticks to your soul like your favorite hoodie on laundry day.

And yes, it’s available for dine-in, takeout, and catering for your backyard fireworks fiasco.

And Ube Horchata? Why Is It Purple and Why Do I Love It?

Now let’s get into the drink that’s as confusing as it is delightful: ube horchata.

First, ube is a purple yam. Not to be confused with taro (which is also purple and confusing but let’s stay focused). Ube is nutty, sweet, and totally the Beyoncé of tubers. We mix it with horchata, that creamy, cinnamony rice milk drink everyone pretends they “discovered at that one taco truck.”

So yes, the result is cold, creamy, spiced, earthy, sweet, and bright purple—like if nostalgia, comfort, and curiosity all decided to collaborate on a drink and drop a summer anthem.

At Lechon Loco, we make it from scratch. No shortcuts. Just real ingredients and purple power in a cup. Also? It pairs with everything. Like, literally everything.

But it especially pairs with caldereta, because there’s something about hot, savory stew and cold, sweet horchata that just balances you out. It’s like therapy, if therapy came in a combo meal.

Independence Means You Can Eat What You Want (Like Grown-Up Pancit and Lechon, Too)

Fourth of July cookouts usually involve undercooked chicken, a lonely bowl of potato salad sweating in the sun, and someone arguing about grilling like it's a sport. And that’s fine, if that’s your thing. You do you.

But if you're trying to eat like a person who loves themselves, may we suggest:

• Party trays of pancit (noodles = long life, and also better leftovers)

• Lumpia, because crunchy things should never be optional

• Lechon belly that makes your cousins shut up mid-sentence

And the best part? You didn’t have to cook. You didn’t have to stand over a grill while Karen asked if the burgers were “grass-fed.” You just showed up, handed everyone a plate of fusion greatness, and became the MVP of the cookout without breaking a sweat.

Freedom, right?

Why Tacoma Needs Caldereta This Summer

Here’s the thing: Tacoma is full of flavor. The art, the people, the views—everything here is a little gritty, a little bold, and low-key amazing. So your food should match that energy.

We’re not saying ditch the classics completely. We’re saying maybe it’s time the classics made room for something new.

Beef caldereta is the dish you bring when you’re tired of pretending store-brand BBQ sauce is “enough.” It’s what you eat when you want comfort and culture in one glorious spoonful.

And Tacoma? Tacoma deserves that kind of flavor. Especially on a holiday.

Host Like a Patriot (Who Has Taste)

Hosting a party this Independence Day? Cool. Just don’t be the person who hands out paper plates and a bag of chips and calls it a "spread."

Let Lechon Loco cater your Fourth of July and we’ll bring:

• Trays of caldereta that people will talk about until Halloween

• Pancit so long it might qualify as a parade float

• Lumpia trays that disappear faster than your neighbor’s fireworks budget

• Enough cold ube horchata to end heat stroke and start a movement

Our location at 3511 McKinley Ave in Tacoma is ready to feed your crowd. Whether you’re celebrating with family, friends, or just trying to impress your in-laws before they ask about grandkids, we’ve got you covered.

This Fourth, Make It Loco (And Don’t Forget the Nap)

So yeah, you could spend Independence Day eating another burger while your cousin Chad tries to freestyle rap over country music.

Or.

You could eat beef caldereta so tender it feels like a hug. Sip cold ube horchata like you discovered color and hydration at the same time. And bask in the glory of being the one person who brought actual culture to the cookout.

Let’s celebrate independence the way our taste buds intended—with real food, real flavor, and real chill.

Because nothing’s more American than saying, “I’m gonna do this my way”—especially when your way includes Filipino fusion and a purple drink.

Order Now, Be the Holiday Hero

🎇 Pre-order your Fourth of July catering today!
📍 Lechon Loco – 3511 McKinley Ave, Tacoma, WA 98404
📞 (253) 357-1913
🌐 lechonlocorestaurant.com

Skip the basic. Celebrate big. Celebrate bold. Celebrate with caldereta and cold ube horchata.

Because freedom tastes better with garlic and stew. And maybe a side of lumpia. Just sayin’.