When I moved from the west coast with my whole family I knew the east-coast food options will be one of the major changes we will have to get used to. My husband as born and raised in San Diego always demands good Mexican food. I even learned how to make homemade salsa, guacamole, and tacos are served several times a month in our household.
Whenever we go out to eat and try new Mexican restaurants I usually start judging the authenticity when chips & salsa are served as a free welcome appetizer. Salsa must be fresh full of flavor and chips are crispy and warm. I tried Don Juan Restaurant on San Jose Blvd. in Mandarin and was amazed by their chips straight out of the oven. We were sitting outside on the little patio but indoor is very cozy and it can get pretty busy.
"Ask for Don Juan's house salsa sauce and your mouth will be on fire!"
For cooking authentic Mexican food at home I shop at Pepe's Hacienda at Dupont Ave. There I find "carneceria" with a butcher that will season any fresh meat they are selling.
I always ask to season any fresh meat I am buying.
"2 libras de carnesada, ya preparada por favor!"
This means I need 2 pounds of carne asada ( sliced beef, usually skirt steak, sirloin steak, tenderloin steak, or rib steak) to be seasoned with their in-house seasonings. I really love their fresh "chorizo" sausages and already seasoned pork for the tacos de carnitas. The store is very small and often crowded. Because it offers the best Hispanic food selection in JAX (at least in my opinion). I like to stock up on taco seasoning, bottled salsas, refried beans, chorizo, cheese. "
"The fresh warm tortillas can be found in the white coolers down by the register in front of the entry door."
What is your favorite Mexican restaurant/ grocery store in the JAX area?
Please share your ideas and recommendations for other international JAXPATS.
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