Tequila's WHERE FAMILY & FLAVOR MEET FOR AUTHENTIC MEXICAN CUISINE

by Kathleen O’Connor

Tequila. The word itself brings thoughts of Mexico, this elixir's country of origin. Tequila, derived from the blue agave plant, grows in the high-altitude volcanic soils of Jalisco, Mexico, and is one of the most celebrated spirits in the world. So, it comes as no surprise that Jalisco-born Jose de Jesus Garcia chose a name for his Mexican food restaurant that represents his native state as well as one of the most popular and iconic drinks of Mexico.

Opened in 1999 and located in the heart of historic downtown Durango, Tequila's offers authentic and flavorful traditional Mexican cuisine served with a warm and welcoming vibe that makes every moment there feel like you're a long-lost family member back for a visit.

And that's no coincidence. Tequila's knows the value of family. General manager, Jessica Hernandez, who is also Garcia's daughter and one of five siblings (three of which are sisters who run other family-owned restaurants for their father), believes the family-friendly quality was an essential value her father wished to instill when he dreamt of opening the restaurant. Today, that quality is an intrinsic part of the restaurant's ethos. "It was really important to my dad for Tequila's to be known as a family Mexican restaurant," Hernandez says.

There's no doubt that Tequila's, a family-run business where patrons are treated as family, beautifully reflects this quality.

As I walk into the restaurant on a sunny but brisk March afternoon, I'm greeted by a gentleman behind the bar with what must surely be one of the warmest smiles in Durango, and am led to a hand-carved wooden dining table imported from Jalisco. Catchy Latin-American music plays from the surrounding speakers. As with many Mexican restaurants, Tequilas’ decor brims with evocative, bold colors paying homage to the styles and traditions of the country. As I glance through the menu, I'm struck by the variety of dishes. There is a multitude of burritos, fajitas, and enchilada plates to choose from, including several vegetarian options such as the veggie burrito and - one of my all-time favorites at Tequila's - the Enchiladas de Espinacas, made with fresh baby spinach sauteed in a homemade pico de gallo. The colorful food photographs throughout the menu immediately awaken my appetite and remind me that I skipped lunch today. Everything looks delicious, making it difficult to choose.

My dinner companions and I finally decide to go big and try some of Tequilas’ popular Especiales. First, we choose the Fajitas Cancun, brought to the table in a carved-out half pineapple laden with grilled steak, chicken, and shrimp seasoned to perfection and cooked with onions, bell peppers, and fresh pineapple. Then, we choose a must-order item on the menu: the Molcajete. It's a table pleaser, with strips of charbroiled chicken, grilled steak, pork chops, fish, shrimp, chorizo, and melted queso asadero. Decoratively cut and grilled nopalitos and jalapenos top off this dish, making the Molcajete as aesthetically pleasing as it is tasty. Next, we choose one of Tequilas’ most popular and traditional Mexican dishes, the classic carne asada served with their fresh pico de gallo and homemade guacamole.

Of course, when visiting Tequila's, one must also experience their vast selection of handcrafted, made-from-scratch margaritas. Some people prefer the classic traditional margaritas that Tequila's serves with fresh lime juice without any pre-made sweet and sour mix, while others like their margaritas to be a little more colorful – such as Tequila's Mangonada, a mango margarita infused with chamoy and served with a chili/ lime Tajin salt ring and accompanied by a sweet and spicy tamarind stick. With their wide range of specialty tequila offerings, including Cazadores, Patron, Cabo Wabo, and Tarantula, the folks at Tequila's are sure to satisfy even the most finicky tequila connoisseur. "Right now, we are also offering two special margaritas in addition to the ones on our menu," Hernandez explains.

"We have one special margarita made with mezcal instead of tequila, and we also have the Margarita Bomba, which is made with our house tequila and comes with a small serving of Corona in it."

Though we're all quite satiated from our Mexican food feast, there's simply no way we will pass up dessert. So, we order the classic flan and the apple chimichangas made with fresh apples and cinnamon. The flan's creamy yet appropriately dense texture transports my taste buds to immediate bliss. And it's just the right amount of richness. But if a rich dessert is your preference, look no further than the apple chimichangas served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. It's the quintessential dessert for sharing at the table.

If you're looking for traditional as well as tasty Mexican food served in a welcoming and family-friendly environment, Tequila's is your place. And be sure to check out their happy hour, which runs daily from 2:30 pm to 6:00 pm, and includes discounts on their house margarita, domestic beers, and appetizers.

Meet Jesse and Hunter King

Meet Jesse and Hunter King, owners of Home Roots Hardwood Flooring, located in Durango, Colorado!

This dynamic husband and wife team has fond childhood memories of growing up in southern Colorado, and spending time outdoors in the San Juan Mountains. After graduating from Fort Lewis College, they spent a few years at the Front Range, where an overwhelming demand for new construction and remodels allowed Jesse to embark on a career in hardwood flooring. Both Jesse and Hunter believe in taking care of business at work, and at home. And that meant making sure their children received the same opportunity to grow up in a small town, beautifully nestled in the mountains. They also wanted them to create their own memories of winters at Purgatory, hiking and biking in the spring, summers on the Animas River, and playing in the leaves during the Fall. So, the growing King family agreed it was time to return to Durango, where Jesse and Hunter could also fulfill their dream of launching Home Roots Hardwood Flooring.

The company’s first year in business – 2022 - was wildly successful! Jesse and Hunter worked with dozens of homeowners and local contractors to create beautiful floors across Southern Colorado. Durango’s residents in particular received the new business with open arms and offered unbelievably positive feedback on Jesse’s talent for installing various types of flooring.

Working with Jesse

Jesse is intimately involved in every aspect of every project. He will meet you at your home to discuss what services you are requesting, and what you can expect during the process. As a ‘hands on’ professional, he will lead an experienced team on site, ensuring Home Roots Hardwood Flooring exceeds a client’s expectations. Jesse loves working with homeowners to bring their flooring vision from concept to reality!

Home Roots Hardwood is certified in Lagler Premium Sanding Technology. The company is also a member in good standing of the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA). Jesse and his team follow industry standards and use the highest quality products in their work. Never one to rest on his laurels, Jesse also enjoys attending trade shows and continued education courses. He is passionate about this work and is committed to creating high quality floors – with kindness, respect, and professionalism.

Installation – Refinish – Repair

Home Roots Hardwood installs several types of flooring: Site-Finished Hardwood, Pre-Finished Hardwood, LVP, and Laminate Plank Flooring. With the use of industry approved techniques and years of valued experience, the Home Roots team can create craftmanship caliber flooring for any home. They can also restore your existing hardwood flooring to its original look, and refinish flooring materials to remove wear and tear built up over time. This service includes repairing damaged areas in your hardwood floor, by fixing gaps and replacing damaged pieces. Home Roots Hardwood also specializes in precision staining to change the coloring of your existing flooring. Or, if you are seeking an entirely fresh look, Jesse and his team can provide you with new, high quality flooring products.

New Showroom

Home Roots Hardwood Flooring now has a showroom available to view and discuss flooring products! Regardless of whether or not you choose Home Roots to handle installation, customers are always welcome to the showroom to view, and order high quality professional flooring. The showroom is by appointment only, so call to schedule a visit! It is conveniently located in downtown Durango, at 900 Main Ave, Suite 1. The Home Roots Hardwood team looks forward to working with you!