Serving the community since 1970

Market brings colorful taste of Mexico

La Canasta Market has been a staple in the Wasco community for 34 years. The family-owned business focuses on providing quality produce, meats and other traditional Mexican items. They pride themselves on their excellent customer service and selling products at an affordable price.

The business is owned by mother Maria Paz and her sons, Ramon and Alex Sedano Paz.

"It is amazing to be able to work alongside my family. We love the Wasco community and enjoy getting to know our clients," said Ramon Sedano Paz.

Both Ramon and Alex were practically raised in the market. Alex was just 3 years old when he would spend his days there, while Ramon started working at 15. They have both played an integral role in the business since then.

The market sells fresh, locally sourced produce and meats. They also have a natural Mexican water and juice bar that makes cool refreshments using apples, beets, carrots, cucumber, parsley, pineapples, melon, strawberries, cilantro and even jalapenos.

"Whatever ingredient you want in it, we will make," said Ramon.

They are known for their seafood cocktails. Their shrimp cocktail has shrimp, onions, tomatoes and cucumbers in a special broth seasoned with chili, ketchup and lemon. The Dynamite Cocktail has everything in the shrimp cocktail, with the addition of octopus, crab and quail eggs.

"Our products are top of the line, and we are often complimented on the quality that can't be beaten."

The butcher shop cuts meats daily and receives shipments four times a week to ensure that clients get the best of the best.

There is a team of 15 staff members to provide premium customer service, helping shoppers find just what they need.

"The store is 100% Mexican, from our meats to produce to staff. We enjoy being able to celebrate our culture with the community," Paz said. "Everything is clean and colorful, and you can smell all of the spices."

They also sell Mexican pottery and cookware, pinatas and all types of Hispanic foods, such as tortillas, tostadas, rotisserie chicken, carnitas, chicharrones and dried chile for menudo, pozole and moles.

During lent, they make fried fish and a traditional dessert that Paz learned from her native small town in Mexico.

"We want our customers happy and wanting to come back. Some came as children and now return with their children and grandchildren. We treat them like family and get to form friendships with them. That is what makes us stand out from the rest," Ramon said.

Paz is grateful and thanks God for their success.

"We are so blessed to be in business all these years. I attribute this to our loyal customers," said Paz.

Over the years, they have been able to help out local residents with toys for children during Christmas and food baskets for families in need over the holidays.

"This is our way of giving back to Wasco that has been so good to us," Ramon said.

The market is located downtown and has customers that come from as far as Paso Robles, Delano and McFarland to shop.

"We even have truck drivers from Los Angeles passing through who place to-go orders," Ramon said.

The family is hopeful about the future.

"We hope to be here for many more years to come,"Paz said.

La Canasta Market, 1017 7th St., is open every day from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. To place a to-go order, call 661-758-2546.

 

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