Madera Kitchen of Mexico is the brain-child of Ivan Sanchez Lucas and he runs the business with his partners Daniel Carrasco, his cousin Nestor Flores and his brother-in-law, Guillermo Lupercio. Ivan grew up in the restaurant industry and has opened five different restaurants in five years, but for others rather than himself. It was seven years ago that he started dreaming about having his own place and pushing the people who would eventually become his partners to jump on board. Dreams are wonderful things, but it’s hard to give them wings without funding, and that’s what they were lacking…capital. While many were financially set back during 2020 with the COVID-19 outbreak and shutdowns, Ivan was busy running his consulting business, working with a couple of successful restauranteurs who needed counsel. This work ended up providing the capital they needed to turn their dream into a reality. With finances in place, the team scoured North County for properties and the building that formerly housed Sunrise Café turned out to be the winning ticket. Being that a restaurant had previously occupied the building gave them a head start, and his partners used their construction skills to do the remodel and front patio installation. Their doors officially opened for business on July 21 of 2021. Their goal is to offer North County an upscale, fine dining experience and traditional Mexican food “with a twist.” You will see many dishes on the menu that you will recognize like Carnitas and Chile Verde, but at Madera Kitchen, it might be prepared differently than what you are used to. They are always looking for new and different ways to create traditional dishes. Keep an open mind and enjoy the vision, is what they ask. However, it must be said that they are also listening to their customers and evolving and changing where that needs to happen, with pricing, portions and presentation. Speaking of evolving, at the beginning of October they began serving weekend brunches from 9AM-2PM. You will find traditional breakfast items that you know and love like French Toast, pancakes and all-American plates as well as Mexican specialties like chilaquiles, enchiladas and a thing or two that will surprise you. Dinner hours are 4-9PM Wednesday through Sunday.
“ “ Ivan has never been happier in his work life than he is right now, despite the challenges of getting a business up and running. It is an amazing thing to sacrifice and invest into a business that is your own. The future vision for Madera Kitchen of Mexico is simple. The business is based on connection with customers and community. It’s all about family, learning, growing. "We treat all our guests as family and friends, as the restaurant is our home. Shake hands, give hugs and invite all into our home, to fuel more than our bodies, to fuel our souls!"- Ivan Sanchez Lucas Please join me in welcoming Madera Kitchen of Mexico to town and please stop by soon for a meal. You can find out more about them at www.maderakitchenofmexico.com. They are located at 1250 S. Santa Fe Avenue, Vista, CA 92084
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