Tim Walz’s humorous anecdote about his “white guy tacos,” in a lighthearted exchange with VP Kamala Harris, sparked a national chuckle and perhaps, a moment of culinary reflection. The quest for authentic flavors resonates deeply, especially when it comes to Mexican cuisine. For those who, like myself, have navigated the disappointment of “white guy Mexican food,” the promise of genuine taste is a beacon. Imagine growing up with the vibrant, bold flavors of New Mexican food, only to find yourself in culinary deserts where Taco Bell stands as the sole representation of Mexican fare. This was my reality during Air Force assignments, a seeming exile from the rich culinary landscape I craved. From England to Mississippi, the longing for authentic chile and the true taste of Mexico was ever-present. This culinary yearning significantly expedited my retirement decision.
Today, thankfully, the landscape has changed. Authentic Mexican food is increasingly accessible, a far cry from the bland imitations of the past. This brings us to Fiesta Azul Tequila Kitchen in Albuquerque, a restaurant that initially sparked some apprehension. Memories of lackluster “Mexican” meals in the South lingered. However, any doubts were quickly dispelled upon experiencing the true flavors of Fiesta Azul. This Florida-born Mexican restaurant, with its tagline “our family-owned Mexican restaurant, where the authentic flavors of North and Central Mexico come alive!”, has expanded to New Mexico, bringing with it a promise of authenticity. With roots tracing back to Chihuahua and Colima for the owner’s family, and Albuquerque for his partner, Fiesta Azul is deeply connected to the heart of Mexican culinary tradition.
Exterior view of Fiesta Azul Tequila Kitchen, showcasing the building's south-facing entrance
Beyond its cuisine, Fiesta Azul lives up to its name as “a distinguished tequila house and Mexican restaurant,” boasting an impressive collection of over 130 premium tequilas, including rare artisanal selections. While the tequila selection is noteworthy, for me, the true draw is the authentic Mexican food. Conveniently located in Montgomery, west of Louisiana, Fiesta Azul occupies a familiar building that has housed various establishments before, including Liquid Assets and Poki Poblano.
The restaurant’s layout, a three-level structure, remains consistent despite the changes in ownership. The upper level hosts the bar area, favored by tequila enthusiasts, while diners typically occupy the lower levels or the south-facing patio, weather permitting. The interior design embraces Monochromatic Minimalism, creating a calming and uncluttered dining environment.
View of the Tequila Bar at Fiesta Azul, highlighting the upper level and server Xavier
Our positive experience began immediately with the complimentary salsa and chips. This is a welcome rarity, setting Fiesta Azul apart from many establishments. The salsa, served in a ramekin, is mild but flavorful and readily replenished by attentive servers like Xavier. The chips, while thin and brittle, possess a pleasant, subtle corn flavor and are lightly salted – a satisfying start to the meal, even if they require a more delicate scooping technique.
Complimentary salsa and chips at Fiesta Azul Tequila Kitchen, showcasing the restaurant's welcoming gesture
The menu at Fiesta Azul is extensive and inviting, offering a delightful challenge in choosing just a few dishes from a wealth of options. The appetizer selection alone features thirteen tempting items, moving beyond the standard Mexican restaurant fare. Unique offerings like melotes, plantains filled with queso fresco and chorizo, signal a commitment to authentic and less common dishes. The menu thoughtfully includes both elotes (grilled corn on the cob) and esquites (grilled corn off the cob), allowing diners to appreciate these corn-based delights in their preferred form. Customization is also welcomed, as demonstrated by my wife’s request to omit Tijan chili powder from her elotes. The elotes were sweet and nicely roasted, though slightly smaller than expected.
Despite a general aversion to pinto beans, my wife enjoys bean dip, particularly when made with refried beans and melted cheese. Fiesta Azul’s bean and queso dip is a standout, featuring reddish refried beans, colored and subtly spiced with paprika, creating a flavorful island within a pool of melted queso. The paprika adds a gentle piquancy, which, while a touch too much for my wife’s palate, was perfect for mine.
Choosing an entree proved to be the most challenging part of the meal, given the diverse categories: Rice Bowls, Tacos, Enchiladas, Burritos, Seafood, and more. The torre de mariscos ultimately won my indecisive palate. This “tower of delicious ceviche style seafood” features layers of shrimp, scallops, and mahi-mahi, combined with avocado, mango, cucumber, and red onions, all dressed in a flavorful citrus marinade. Each layer of this seafood tower is a delightful discovery, offering fresh and vibrant flavors.
Torre De Mariscos at Fiesta Azul, a seafood tower featuring fresh ceviche-style ingredients
While fajitas are not universally offered in Mexican restaurants, Fiesta Azul presents an impressive selection of nine different fajita platters. Each platter includes lettuce, pico de gallo, guacamole, sour cream, rice, beans, and tortillas, with an option to upgrade to a portion for two. The steak fajitas, sampled from my wife’s plate, were exceptionally tender and flavorful, convincing our dining companions to order the same. The grilled red and green peppers and onions were perfectly cooked, but the steak itself was the star, especially when nestled in a warm tortilla. Portion sizes are generous, and the fajita platters arrive steaming hot, adding to the dining experience.
Steak Fajitas at Fiesta Azul, showcasing sizzling steak and grilled vegetables
Our initial skepticism, born from past experiences with inauthentic “white guy Mexican food,” was completely overturned by Fiesta Azul. We were not just pleased, but truly impressed by this exceptional Mexican kitchen. The varied and exciting menu has us eagerly anticipating our return visits.
Fiesta Azul Tequila Mexican Kitchen
6910 Montgomery, N.E., Suite 1
Albuquerque, New Mexico
(505) 525-8291
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LATEST VISIT: 11 November 2024
# OF VISITS: 1
RATING: N/R
COST: $$$
BEST BET: Salsa and Chips, Queso Dip, Steak Fajitas, Street Corn, Torre De Mariscos
REVIEW #1431
