Over on the Arkansas-side, just off the north side of I-30 not far from the convention center, a new Mexican place has been in business for several days.
In a city with no shortage of Mexican cuisine, just what is the strategy for making this one stand out? When one walks inside of Caminos de Guanajuato and sees the attractive, appetizing plates being transported to the tables of waiting patrons, just what sets them apart?
"Well, our molcajete has unique flavors you might like," said Johnny Mendoza, son of Maria, the owner of the place and manager. "Take some fajita beef, chicken, pork, chorizo (Mexican sausage) and Opuntia cactus, and put it all together on the molcajete plate, along with rice, beans and tortillas, you get an idea of some of the different flavors you can experience here."
The Mendoza family are from Hope, Ark., but Maria is originally from Mexico, from where she brought her knowledge of Mexican cuisine as well as memories of life there.
"This food reminds Maria of her past and where she came from," said Johnny Mendoza. "So the name of the restaurant and the food all are intended to bring back those memories and feelings, maybe a pass a bit of it on to our customers. It's about authentic Mexican tastes with my mother's background as inspiration. We try to be as authentic as possible in choosing our ingredients and how they are prepared."
"I personally recommend the Enchiladas Juanojuato," said Daniel Gonzales, who is also from Hope and is co-manager of the establishment. "This was something I was raised with and is still a favorite of mine today. The secret of flavor in this dish is juallillo peppers."
As the week went on and word has gotten out, Mexican food aficionados began coming in the doors to explore the new flavors.
"This have begun to pick up quickly," said Johnny, eyeing the clock for the approaching dinner rush. "Folks are slowly figuring out we are open and are coming to see what we are about."
As for those who are curious about the place but are not sure about authentic Mexican food, Mendoza said that's not a problem.
"We have suggestions on our menu for those worried about not knowing what to order," he said. "But for those worried about things being too spicy, one of the things that separates Mexican from Tex-Mex is less emphasis on heat and more on flavor."
Caminos de Guanajuato is open Monday through Sunday. Mon-Sat. hours are 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday, hours are 11 a.m. 2:30 p.m.
Eventually, adult beverages will be served, with beer and wine to start.