G R E AT L I F E | TAST E S
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he COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the cancellation of many Airdrie residents’ travel plans, but if Mexico was on your itinerary, you may be in luck. With its authentic Mexican food and one of the best patios in the city, Tequila & Tacos transports you south of the U.S. border without the hassle and risk of a plane. “Our food is amazing and with the patio, you will think you are on vacation,” says Arturo Gonzalez, who opened the restaurant in its original location in the Horseman Motel in 2017 before moving it to Yankee Valley Boulevard in 2019. “Our food is exactly what you would get in Mexico,” he adds. “We work very hard to get the authentic ingredients we need to make it just right. You need to try it to believe it.” Gonzalez moved to Canada in 2007 from Metepec, Mexico, located just east of Mexico City, and came to Airdrie in 2013. “Airdrie is the perfect place to open a first business,” he says. “We love the people and have seen so much support from the community. It’s a good market.” Gonzalez brings the traditional Mexican food he grew up with to our city by sharing recipes that his parents made in their restaurant back home. “I spent most of my life working in the food industry,” he says. “We aim to please our customers and provide a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere that’s enjoyable for all. Preparing hearty, nutritious, great-tasting Mexican food is our specialty. We start with the freshest ingredients and traditional Mexican recipes.” Gonzalez says his most popular dishes are the Enchiladas Verde and Tacos Al Pastor. The enchiladas offer a soft tortilla enveloping perfectly seasoned chicken, dipped in green sauce and served with rice, beans, cheese and sour cream. The Tacos Al Pastor include tender marinated pork loin in a savoury red sauce that balances perfectly with the sweet pineapple, onions and cilantro. As the name suggests, the restaurant is also known for its tequila drinks including margaritas, bulldogs and palomas.
Local restaurant like a
MEXICAN VACATION STORY BY STACIE GAETZ | PHOTOS BY SERGEI BELSKI
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S U M M E R 2020