Tekila Cocina Mexicana opens in River Village

Bonsall’s River Village has a new restaurant that is destined to be popular. Tekila Cocina Mexicana, which opened Nov. 21, has all the components for success – deliciously fresh food, savory family recipes from various regions of Mexico, and outstanding customer service. Run by managing partner Manny Enriquez, the establishment is also owned by Frank Morelli, Joey Morelli, and Leone D’Arcangelo and is located in the space previously occupied by Fusion Bistro.

“All of our dishes are made from scratch,” explained Enriquez. “People love our food; they can tell the difference in how fresh it is.”

The coveted family recipes have graciously been provided by Enriquez’ mother, Maria Refugio de Castillo, who developed them as a result of spending time in various regions within Mexico.

“When we lived in the different areas of Mexico, we learned the differences in tastes and spices,” said Enriquez.

Even the tortillas are handmade for each order. Need we say more?

The menu reflects the favorite traditions that Mexican food lovers hanker for – tacos, enchiladas, chile rellenos, fajitas, flautas, chimichangas, and more, but what sets this restaurant apart is its daily specials.

“Each day I offer two or three specials and we only prepare a number of each of them; when they are gone, they are gone” said Enriquez, with a smile.

Partner Frank Morelli is very enthusiastic about how unique this restaurant is.

“After meeting his [Enriquez’] mother, we were very encouraged about the recipes that could be used and knew we could elevate Mexican cuisine to the next level here in the Fallbrook/Bonsall area,” said Morelli.

An example of the culinary delights of this establishment would be the Salbutes Taco, popular in the Yucatan. It begins with a warm, handmade corn tortilla which is then filled with tender beef marinated in a fresh ancho chile sauce. Added to that is crisp, shredded cabbage, citrus-marinated red onions, a delicately cool white sauce, and a green salsa made with Serrano chiles and lime. Delicious!

The El Molcajete Azteca dish is full of lean protein and high in flavor. I sampled the mixed beef and chicken variety, which was tender beyond belief. Strips of steak and chicken were grilled and served in a spicy (but not too hot) red sauce and garnished with triangles of amazingly fresh Queso Fresco cheese and grilled green onions. The dish is served with fresh, handmade tortillas, beans, rice, guacamole, sour cream, and pico de gallo.

With his mother’s recipes in hand, engaging and involved partners, very reasonable menu prices, and a passion for what he does, Enriquez has the stage set for a tremendous culinary complement to the greater Fallbrook area.

“When you do what you love, things are good,” said Enriquez. “I am just very pleased these partners invited me to run this restaurant.”

“This is definitely a team effort,” said Morelli. “We are hoping to attract more restaurants to this area, given the improvements that are being made to Highway 76. We have a history of commitment and we take pride in what we do.”

“I am very pleased with what we have to offer here,” said D’Arcangelo. “This is a good addition to the community.”

Tekila Cocina Mexicana (temporarily known as The Fusion Bistro Tekila) is located in River Village at 5256 South Mission Road, Suite 907, Bonsall. Hours are Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Call (760) 643-1278 for more information.