![“[Building nerf blasters] became this outlet of creativity for me that hasn't been matched by anything else. The process [of] making a build complete to your desire is such a painstakingly difficult process, but I've had to learn from [the skills needed from] soldering to proper painting. There's so many different options for everything, if you think about it, it exists. The best part is [that] if it doesn't exist, you can build it yourself," Ishaan Parate said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/DSC_8149-900x604.jpg)
![“When I came into high school, I was ready to be a follower. But DECA was a game changer for me. It helped me overcome my fear of public speaking, and it's played such a major role in who I've become today. To be able to successfully lead a chapter of 150 students, an officer team and be one of the upperclassmen I once really admired is something I'm [really] proud of,” Anvitha Tummala ('21) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Screen-Shot-2021-07-25-at-9.50.05-AM-900x594.png)
![“I think getting up in the morning and having a sense of purpose [is exciting]. I think without a certain amount of drive, life is kind of obsolete and mundane, and I think having that every single day is what makes each day unique and kind of makes life exciting,” Neymika Jain (12) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Screen-Shot-2017-06-03-at-4.54.16-PM.png)
![“My slogan is ‘slow feet, don’t eat, and I’m hungry.’ You need to run fast to get where you are–you aren't going to get those championships if you aren't fast,” Angel Cervantes (12) said. “I want to do well in school on my tests and in track and win championships for my team. I live by that, [and] I can do that anywhere: in the classroom or on the field.”](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC5146-900x601.jpg)
![“[Volleyball has] taught me how to fall correctly, and another thing it taught is that you don’t have to be the best at something to be good at it. If you just hit the ball in a smart way, then it still scores points and you’re good at it. You could be a background player and still make a much bigger impact on the team than you would think,” Anya Gert (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AnnaGert_JinTuan_HoHPhotoEdited-600x900.jpeg)
![“I'm not nearly there yet, but [my confidence has] definitely been getting better since I was pretty shy and timid coming into Harker my freshman year. I know that there's a lot of people that are really confident in what they do, and I really admire them. Everyone's so driven and that has really pushed me to kind of try to find my own place in high school and be more confident,” Alyssa Huang (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AlyssaHuang_EmilyChen_HoHPhoto-900x749.jpeg)
Southwest Cafe Rio Adobe: Family-style Mexican dining
Kaidi Dai
Rio Adobe Southwest Cafe offers salsa varying from mild to very hot. Customers can select their own salsas dependent on their tastes.
October 17, 2017
There’s nothing quite like the flavor of Mexican food, where vegetables and meat complement each other, where sour and savory blend in perfect satisfaction. Southwest cafe Rio Adobe is renowned for a variety of dishes that contain that classic, Mexican taste, thanks to the use of fresh ingredients.
Located at a restaurant complex in Cupertino, Rio Adobe provides a homey, family-style atmosphere, where the first sounds you hear walking in are the soft hustle-bustle of the kitchen and the ambient conversation of neighboring customers.
Traditional patterns and the occasional pieces of artwork on the walls and both indoor and outdoor seating are available.
Rio Adobe Southwest Cafe is located in Cupertino. The restaurant offers classic Mexican cuisine.
Lining the left wall of the vicinity is a salsa bar. Spiciness levels vary from mild to very hot for each individual’s preferred taste. Different ingredients are used to make the eight different salsas, including corn, beans, tomato, roasted tomato, jalapeno and many more. Free chips are offered to seated guests.
The restaurant’s menu is divided into seven main sections, demonstrating a wide variety of options. Antojitos, or snacks, give the option of loaded nachos and quesadillas, followed by burritos, tacos and enchiladas that come in a total of nineteen different flavors or fillings. In addition, soups, stews and salads are available as sides, with the classic tortilla soup as one of their most enjoyed dishes. Postres, or desserts, top off the list. Their bestseller from this portion of the menu is the las sopalpillas, fried pastries that are described as “little pillows” and are seasoned with powdered sugar and honey.
Food is presented at a maximum of, in past experience, ten minutes later in a simple, straightforward manner: by neatly placing what was ordered on a plate of solid color. The responses to the food are often visually observed by satisfied expressions finishing the last bite or tips being dropped the jar next to the cash register.
A kids’ menu and list of sides are provided as well for those bringing little ones to have a meal or for those who want a little something more to go with their main dish. Fountain drinks, ice tea and various alcoholic beverages can be ordered along with food.
Something worth noting is that the restaurant takes pride in making their food with fresh ingredients and on-site preparations. If one wants to see the process themselves, the kitchen is connected directly to the seating area. All it takes is a peer around the cashier to see chefs hard at work.
The restaurant is usually a lively place, but ordering take-out, particularly catering for an event, is a popular option as well. There is a separate catering menu, but anything else from the menu can be provided if requested. Elegant and organized display is promised, no matter the occasion.
Rio Adobe as a whole is also very involved, advocating for the well-being of a community. It is said on their website that they welcome anyone reaching out to them for a community event.
Hours are from 11:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on weekdays; 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on weekends.
