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FIESTA JALISCO 240 CHAPEL PL #129, AVON 970.845.8088 | FIESTAJALISCO.NET
by ROSS LEONHART photos by KRISTIN ANDERSON PRICE
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he walls of Fiesta Jalisco in Avon are filled with movie posters of famous Mexican actors from the 1940s, ‘50s and ‘60s — and they’re just one sign of the star power to come when the food starts rolling out of the kitchen. Jose Rodriguez, owner of the highenergy restaurant located in Chapel Square, has family from Cuautla, Jalisco, a small town in the hills of western Mexico, and he brought a taste of home to the Vail Valley. “There’s a lot of history in those pictures, and he’s always collecting,” says manager Carlos Dominguez. Rodriguez also has a passion for large bullheads, horns and all, which hang on the walls and add to the lively Tex-Mex feel. Celebrating 15 years of business, the restaurant is busy during the summer months, and locals love to stop by. One of the reasons Fiesta Jalisco is so popular is the consistency of the food and service. Dominguez has been the manager for 13 years, and much of the kitchen staff has passed the 10-year mark — something almost unheard of in many local restaurants. And whether you’re stopping by for a quick bite with your family, or settling in for a leisurely meal with friends, the familiar faces of Fiesta Jalisco are excited to see you.
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MEXICAN FAVORITES The menu features two sides of Mexican culture, with a Tex-Mex focus in addition to the original classics from Cuautla, Jalisco. Everything from tacos to burritos to enchiladas is available with chicken, beef and/ or shrimp — as hot and spicy as you want, or as mild as you please. The menu is filled with delicious options. Especially good are the flamebroiled beef dishes. Try the Carne Asada y Camarones — grilled skirt steak and shrimp that’s served with beans, rice and “the works.” Pile it all into the fresh, warm tortillas — the bacon-wrapped shrimp goes great with the garlicky steak. As shrimp is rather a specialty, you could opt for one of the all-shrimp options, such as the house favorite Viva Fiesta Plate.
Appetizers: $7-$16 Lunch/Dinner: $9-$30 Premium margaritas: $7-$18 (jumbo) •••
AMBIANCE
Family-friendly, authentic Mexican dining •••
SIGNATURE DISH
Carne asada and shrimp, served in healthy portions with refried beans, rice, peppers, guacamole, salsa and soft tortillas; The Natural margarita, 12-ounce, 20-ounce or 32-ounce •••
KID-FRIENDLY?
¡Sí!
They describe it as the three amigos: camarones al mojo de ajo, camarones con tocino and camarones diabla. At Fiesta Jalisco, high-end ingredients are used in everything from the food to the drinks. If you’re a margarita lover, you really ought to try The Natural. Made in the authentic tradition with fresh lime juice and high-end tequila, the smooth taste is perfect for washing down a few bites of the carne asada and shrimp. Served in 12-ounce, 20-ounce and 32-ounce glasses made for kings and queens, there are over 30 varieties of margaritas at Fiesta Jalisco. Even with a small bar inside, the restaurant is family-friendly with large tables for groups. So look out for those bullhorns hanging on the walls, and marvel at the posters that help bring a little taste of the Mexican fiesta to Avon at Fiesta Jalisco. • Carne asada y camarones, ceviche tostada, guacamole, strawberry margarita and a Natural Margarita. right Grilled chicken taco salad, taquitos ranchero and Corona beer. above