Though Raul, a quiet, but warm Chihuahua-native, claimed little formal experience as a chef, the art of cooking, it seems, is an inherited family tradition. “My dad always encouraged us to try different things. We were exposed to all types of cuisine, and my palate evolved from there,” he says. Counting escargot and rolling sushi as his first culinary father-son lessons, Raul learned to experiment in the kitchen early on. “I tried different things and then learned how to create them at home. We were always experimenting.”
During a later stint in finance, the foodie invested in his family’s fine dining restaurant in Torreon, Mexico in 2005. Soon after, the Gonzalez’s opened a second restaurant, prompting Raul to shift careers. “I got my hands dirty, gained experience and found the space available,” he remembers.
A longtime El Pasoan and proponent of the Downtown Revitalization, Raul was excited to join the neighborhood. “I wanted to offer Downtown workers something different,” he says.
Different, indeed. Rulis’ International Kitchen certainly lives up to its name, counting anything from Mexican sliders (mini tortas stuffed with salpicon), to St. Dennis ciabatta sandwiches (a breakfast favorite of mushroom and ham-wine sauce topped eggs), to Tortillitas Espanolas (bite-sized potato omelets), strawberry prosciutto salad and Alaskan halibut as menu mainstays. The chef sites cultures from around the world as his inspiration, combining ingredients from different countries to achieve an explosion of taste on each plate. “I love all foods, and didn’t want to get pigeon-holed,” he says, “my menu is eclectic because my taste it eclectic.”
Fortunately for Rulis’ patrons, cooking is still very much a family affair. Both mom and dad work in the kitchen, with Mrs. Gonzalez whipping up each dressing from scratch (her honey-lime-shallot vinaigrette is not to be missed).
Ever a supporter of Downtown business, Raul has incorporated various incentives and programming to attract customers and keep them in the area. “It amazes me how many people live [in El Paso] and never go Downtown,” he explains. To generate Downtown buzz, Rulis’ features a “Culinary Trek Around the world,” a month-long focus on various countries’ cuisine. Menu specials are inspired by a particular theme; past counties include France, Japan, China, Italy, the British Isles and America. “Each month we have a different focus,” says Raul, “it gives us a chance to do something different on a weekly basis.” August cuisine will focus is Spain.
Spain has also served as an inspiration for a Rulis’ favorite: an extensive tapas selection, available Thurs.–Sat., after 5 p.m. With generous portions of Gambas al Ajillo, caprese skewers, grilled calamari, hummus and much more, the tapas are “a great way for people to enjoy company,” says Raul. “You sit at a big table, order a few plates, and talk. It’s really very interactive.” Add to the tapas schmorgesborg a glass of Argentinean wine or a bottle or two of one of the many imported and exported beers and you’ve got yourself the ideal Friday evening. “In the evenings, the view of Downtown is just great,” Raul says, referring to a front-row seat facing Downtown’s San Jacinto Plaza.
In addition to the tapas nights, the restaurant will soon feature monthly movie nights. Rulis’ also promotes local artists, boasting local artwork on restaurant walls, which change every six weeks.
Rulis’ International Kitchen
is located at 318 North Mesa. Hours are Mon.–Fri.,
breakfast, 7:30-10:30 a.m. and lunch, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Dinner hours are Thurs.–Sat., 5 p.m.–whenever the last guests leave. Citywide catering and Downtown delivery is available. For more information, call 915.541.9990 or visit www.RulisIK.com.
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Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the August/September issue of El Paso Magazine
