Tag: Mexican restaurant

PRONTO by Serrano’s to serve fast casual Mexican food later this year

This Fall the Serrano family will be debuting their new fast casual concept PRONTO by Serrano’s at their Tempe location. Known for serving Mexican food at several east valley restaurants since 1979 they decided to convert that location since it’s been closed for the last year for re-modeling.

“We’ve learned a lot over the past two years and we know that fast-casual concepts have experienced significant recent growth,” said Ric Serrano, CEO of Serrano’s Mexican Restaurants. “Our Pronto concept will offer customers fresh, quality ingredients at an affordable price. We hope our loyal customers embrace Pronto and that we gain some new fans as well.”

With a focus on “fresh, flavorful and familiar,” Pronto will offer build-your-own combos featuring burritos, tacos, nachos, salads and more. Favorite Serrano staples like machaca, shredded chicken, asada steak, tomatillo pork and more will be offered. And customers will also be able to add the famous Serrano’s bean dip, chips and salsa to their orders if desired.

“With our customizable menu options, our customers will have an array of meal options to choose from that are served up fast just the way they like it,” Serrano added. “With Arizona State University a few miles up the road and numerous local businesses and busy families in the area, the fast-casual concept should be appealing to both our lunch and dinner crowds.”

PRONTO by Serrano’s will be looking to hire 20 employees in the coming months for all positions in front & back of the house. Be the first to find out about hiring, the grand opening and more head to their website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram. When opened it will be at 6440 S. Rural Rd. Tempe.

“Los Local Love” celebrates all things local at Los Sombreros

As important as it is to support local businesses is become even more important in 2020. Los Sombreros is going all out with its new “Los Local Love” program not only features locally grown and made ingredients but live music from local musicians and gift ideas from local vendors.

Through December local musicians will entertain guests on the patio at Los Sombreros restaurants in Scottsdale, Phoenix & Mesa. Several musicians will be from Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Teen Centers that the restaurant is raising money for through January with the purchase of take-out enchilada family meals or smoked chicken enchiladas. Check their social media for a schedule of performers.

Los Local Love Gift Boxes are available for your favorite foodie for their birthday or for the holidays. A t-shirt, coffee beans from CULT Coffee, chocolate from Carolina’s Chocolate, Los Sombreros Hot Sauce and more are available at https://www.lossombreros.com/shop.

The restaurants are getting pumpkins from Abby Lee Farms and Crooked Sky Farms in October for their soup and flan. In November the corn chowder will include corn from McClendon’s Select as will the pecans for their pecan pie.

It wouldn’t be the holidays without homemade tamales from Los Sombreros that will feature locally grown produce. You can start to order by the dozen November 1st with tamales available starting December 1st. Mix and match Green Corn, Tomatillo Chicken, Rajas (peppers and onions), Chipotle Pork, Red Chili Beef, and Pineapple. Order at the above link or call 480-938-9500.

 

Serrano’s celebrates 100 years in business with Centennial Fiesta

Serrano’s Mexican Restaurant celebrates 100 years of the family business with a week long celebration at their 5 locations. There will be a week’s worth of food and drink specials and a Centennial Fiesta.

The family business started in September 1919 when there were less 1,000 people living in Chandler. At first the family business was as a retailer with The Serrano Brothers Popular Family Store and switched to Mexican restaurants in 1979 as department stores and indoor shopping malls gained popularity.

“The Serrano family is ingrained in Chandler’s history,” said Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke. “Their entrepreneurial spirit, hard work, dedication and family pride has sustained them throughout these past 100 years. We honor their strong ties to the community and their heart of service as they celebrate this incredible milestone.”Centennial Fiesta

To celebrate the 100th anniversary, the week of September 16th will offer specials at all 5 locations.

  • Monday, 9/16:$1.00 Margarita Monday 10 oz. house margarita
  • Tuesday, 9/17:$1.00 Taco Tuesday (street taco or shredded beef/chicken crunchy taco)
  • Wednesday, 9/18:$1.00 Hump Day Heavenly Bites
  • Thursday, 9/19: $1.00 Throwback Thursday (shredded beef or chicken taco, rice and beans entree)*
  • Friday, 9/20: $1.00 Fried Ice Cream Friday
  • Saturday, 9/21: $1.00 Cerveza Saturday 10 oz. draft Mexican beer

*Limit of one special per person; all specials are dine-in only

Centennial Fiesta

On Thursday the 19th at the Chandler location the family will celebrate with a Centennial Fiesta. Guest will be treated to $1.00 shredded beef and chicken tacos and beans and rice. At 7 p.m. there’s a taco eating contest with local mayors, fire and police representatives competing for $1,000 grand prize donated to the 100 Club of Arizona. There will also be face-painting for the kids and raffles and prizes.

“Our family has seen our fair share of changes and challenges over the years, but we have always been able to adapt. Today, our business model is centered around the values we hold most dear – faith, family and food,” said Ric Serrano, president and CEO of Serrano’s Mexican Restaurants. “We look forward to celebrating this big milestone with our loyal customers and we invite new customers to come give us a chance. You can be sure we’ll be breaking out our famous bean dip!”

In addition Serrano’s will be collection new children’s books and stuffed animals for the W. Steven Martin Police and Fire Toy Drive. Anybody who donates a book or stuffed animal in September receives a voucher for a FREE fried ice cream.

In September the Serrano Centennial Sampler will be on special for $10 and $1 of every sale will go to the 100 Club of Arizona. The Sampler offers classic dishes including machaca, shredded chicken, green chile beef and red chile beef served with warm tortillas, rice and beans.

Visit their website for more information and to find a Serrano’s near you.

 

Macayo’s Recipe Boxes make great stocking stuffers

Earlier in the year Macayo’s Mexican Restaurants made available a limited amount of recipe boxes and they sold out quickly. I’m glad to report the custom-made wood boxes filled with family recipes are available and will again sell out quickly. If you haven’t bought presents for your favorite foodie or home chef these would make a perfect gift.

Friday December 14th at 9:00 a.m. they will go on sale on-line and at their Mesa, Phoenix and Glendale locations. Each Recipe Box includes 72 family recipes including Spinach Con Queso, Green Chile Pork Stew and Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad.

Each Recipe Box is $35 plus tax with a limit to 2 per person. Macayo’s will donate $5 of each sale to Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-Cap).

The three locations where the boxes will be available are…..

Mesa- 1920 S. Dobson Rd. 85202 (480)820-0237

Glendale- 6012 W. Bell Rd. 85308 (602)298-8080

Phoenix- 3815 N. Central Ave. 85012 (602)264-6141

 

Former Z’Tejas chef opens Cocina Madrigal in south Phoenix

After years of honing his culinary skills in restaurants in Mexico City and the United States for somebody else, Leo Madrigal decided to take those skills and open his own restaurant. The Oaxacan born Madrigal did just that recently with the opening of his Cocina Madrigal on the corner of 16th St. & Wood in south Phoenix.

All photos courtesy of Kassidy McDonald at Evolve Marketing

The 1,900 sq. ft. restaurant seats up to 140 people once the patio opens including the bar that’s serving signature margaritas and a unique section of tequila. “From the moment our guests walk into the restaurant, I want them to feel welcomed, appreciated and at home. I’m so excited to share my commitment to service and high quality food at our new location in South Phoenix,” says Madrigal.

Cocina Madrigal signature dishes

Madrigal wanted to always share his vision of Mexican cuisine at his own restaurant after working in restaurants such as Z’Tejas, Eddie V’s and Taco Guild after arriving from Houston. The menu is inspired by growing up in Oaxaca and he giving it an American twist with such dishes as Oaxacan Con Queso with American & Oaxacan cheese, Mango Steak Salad, Tres Mushrooms Enchiladas and Grilled Elote with Cotija cheese.

Mexican food staples tacos, enchiladas and burros are given Madrigals twist as well.

Cocina Madrigal is open for lunch and dinner Sun.- Thurs. from 11 a.m. -10 p.m., Fri. & Sat. from 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. with Happy Hour Mon. – Fri. from 2:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Cocina Madrigal is at 4044 S. 16th St. Phoenix 85040. (602)243-9000 For more information check their Facebook page.

 

Former music venue to become Casa Amigos and Sky Lanes

The restaurant business is not the only local industry that is also in the constant state of flux, so is the live music venue industry as smaller venue continue to seek your entertainment dollar. Scottsdale’s Livewire became a recent victim and shut its doors a few months back. Evening Entertainment Group(EEG) are quickly transforming the two-story building into Casa Amigos and Sky Lanes with an anticipated opening before year’s end.

The $4 million dollar renovation started over the summer with the authentic Mexican restaurant Casa Amigos occupying the ground floor space with the lounge and state of the art bowling alley Sky Lanes upstairs.

Sky Lanes lounge. Photos courtesy of EEG & MMPR Marketing

EEG’s owners Diane and Les Corieri are  familiar with the building and the Scottsdale Entertainment District having run several nightlife venues in the area for almost 20 years. They are working with  decorator Alison Victoria who many may recognize from HGTV’s “Kitchen Crashers” and who the Corieri’s hired to design their central Phoenix restaurant Casa Anejo which opened last year.

“This location has always been special to Diane and me,” says Les Corieri, co-owner of Evening Entertainment Group. “From our original ultra-lounge and nightclub, Axis-Radius, to the former Livewire music hall, this space has always been a landmark in the Scottsdale nightlife scene. So when we looked to launch a new concept, we knew we had to go all out and create a one-of-a-kind experience that speaks to the way people like to nightlife today-casual yet stylish dining in an indoor-outdoor that setting takes advantage of Arizona’s wonderful weather. And then with Sky Lanes we know there a market for fun, cocktail-friendly entertainment with a high-energy vibe.”

Casa Amigos

The Santa Barbara inspired designed restaurant will serve traditional Mexican fare for the nightclub crowd that will include tacos such as octopus and picadillo beef, a build your own Guacamole menu, shared plates and entrees that include a bacon wrapped Sonoran dog and Veracruz grilled swordfish.

Handcrafted cocktails, cold beers along with an extensive list of premium sipping tequilas and mezcals will be available as will several varieties of Margaritas.

Sky Lanes

Upstairs the state-of-the- art bowling alley and lounge will impress even the Scottsdale crowd with its retro modern decor. The boutique bowling alley will offer bottle service in the lounge and classics jams of the 80s & 90s will keep the energy going while guests bowl the night away.

Casa Amigos and Sky Lanes will be at 7340 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale 85251.

 

Del Taco adds turkey meat to the menu for healthy eating options.

Have you already given up on that New Year’s resolution to eat healthier and lose those pounds you put on since Thanksgiving. Well you’re not alone as 80% of people with New Year’s resolutions will give up by February. Del Taco, the nations 2nd leading Mexican quick service restaurant, has added seasoned turkey meat to their menu and can be substituted for the seasoned ground beef to keep you on the healthy eating track all year-long.

The Del Taco w/ turkey courtesy of Del Taco

The seasoned turkey meat has 40% less fat than the traditionally served seasoned beef and can be enjoyed with The Del Taco, one of the best-selling menu items at no extra cost for $1.39.

Other menu items that would be great for turkey substitution are the Signature Taco Salad and Del Taco’s 3 Handcrafted Ensaladas that all have less than 600 calories with dressing and are prepared to order.

“We’re committed to giving our guests the greatest value and variety in the industry, and that means creating options for Del Taco fans who are resolving to eat better in 2017,” said Noah Chillingworth, Del Taco’s Vice President of Marketing. “By substituting our seasoned turkey in any menu item that traditionally comes with seasoned beef, our guests can still satisfy their Mexican food cravings while cutting out nearly half the fat.”

Other low-calorie options on the Del Taco menu include Fresca Bowls packed with fresh ingredients without the tortilla and Street Tacos with 170-180 calories each are topped with roasted chile salsa, diced onions, fresh cilantro and hand sliced avocados wrapped in warm corn tortillas.

For a limited time guests can “Buy 1 Turkey Taco, Get 1 Free” when the join the Raving Fan EClub at https://deltaco.com/turkey

Chillingworth continued, “Our menu truly has something for everyone, from value and convenience seekers to those with hearty appetites or in search of better-for-you options, Del Taco caters to a diverse audience with even broader tastes.”