From Napkins to Reality

| By: STEPHANIE AMERENA photos courtesy of: EL BESO TAQUERIA |

ight next to the notorious Little Bit of Texas is a little hidden bit of El Paso greeting customers new and old with a chorus of Topo Chico bottles spelling out the word “TACO” in the front window. This invitation of culinary delight comes from Raul Almanza’s dream turned reality, El Beso Taqueria.

Almanza’s love for the culinary arts and dream of owning his own restaurant has been with him since high school. While he had wanted to pursue that dream, he did not want to leave his home of El Paso behind. So, for the time being, he shifted his focus to corporate business. However, that idea and that passion never left him.

The dream for El Beso Taqueria began in 2015 when he began planning the concept from the back of napkins that built upon itself piece by piece. Much of his inspiration came from within his own family and heritage.

Starting with his father who had his own El Beso Taqueria 30 years ago and how he kept one of the main focuses on his grandfather’s carnitas recipe. Beyond that, the name Beso Taqueria comes from how his grandfather was from Guanajuato, Mexico and lived near the “Callejon del Beso” or Alley of the Kiss.

When asked if that was the only reason for the name, Almanza explained it also comes from the fact that when you bend down to take that first bite of a fresh taco it’s in the same motion a person would make to lean in for that perfect first kiss.

The building itself called to Almanza when he found it by chance and saw it had all the makings of a restaurant already built within its walls. The foundation was there and when he drew more concepts on another napkin with his contractor, the contractor said this was one of the most fun projects he has ever worked on. In January of 2023, El Beso Taqueria’s doors opened. Despite the struggles and uncertainty from the pandemic, El Beso Taqueria was able to survive and thrive.

The first steps into El Beso Taqueria radiate with each paint stroke on any available wall. Almanza painted his passion on the walls with phrases like, “Infiel En La Dieta. Nunca En El Amors” or “Unos Besos O Que? Tacos De A Beso.” Each made by hand with a personal touch and a story. This lively personality is seasoned throughout the restaurant and even makes its way into the kitchen with “Made in Chinga” proudly printed on the stove vents. The Mexican glass soda bottles, luchador masks, fortune birds with notes like “Every day is a new opportunity to grow and change,” and the other pieces of art provide a sense of novelty while also providing a calming and fun atmosphere.