Arandas Tacos serves great, authentic Mexican food

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BRANSON MO NEWS: Instead of chips and salsa, customers receive a basket of duros (also known by other names). The salty snack is made from puffed wheat and often dusted with salt or lime. There is a free salsa bar so you can dip these in a salsa of your choice.(Photo: Submitted Photo)If you’re in Branson and want to avoid a tourist trap or mega-buffet, stop by Arandas Tacos.This small restaurant is right off the strip and serves authentic and delicious Mexican food. You will not see a lot of tourists in here; you will see Hispanic families and some locals.The restaurant is small and nothing fancy, but the food is fantastic.The first thing you’ll notice is they don’t bring you chips and salsa; you have to pay for those. I did not order any because I always fill up on chips and salsa and regret it later. I was glad not to be tempted.They do bring out a basket of duros, another Mexican chip that resembles a wagon wheel. These treats can go by a variety of names, including Mexican pinwheels, duritos, chicharrones de harina, and more. It’s a popular street food.Try the happy hour margaritas at Arandas Tacos in Branson. From 2-4 p.m. Monday through Friday, a margarita is only $3. (Photo: Submitted Photo)Duros are made of puffed wheat, and in the uncooked form look like pasta. Once the wheels are fried or microwaved, they puff up and are seasoned with salt, lime and sometimes chili powder. They are tasty, although I prefer corn chips.Arandas Tacos has a free salsa bar, which I adore. When I visit my sister in California, I see a lot of restaurants with salsa bars. Aside from several sauces, you’ll find jalapenos, …