July 29, 2005

Retail Roundup

Mexicali Grill sizzles through the summer

By Elizabeth Estrella-Basilio
Special to the Times

Mexicali Grill has become a very welcome addition to Evergreen—a locality aching for more sit-down restaurants—since its opening in January.

Evergreen resident Jag Kapoor, partner/owner of Mexicali Grill, takes a break after a busy lunch hour.

Whether you’re seeking delectable Mexican culinary delights or searching for a popular watering hole in the summer heat, Mexicali Grill is catering to meet those needs for residents and visitors alike.

This summer, Mexicali Grill’s happy hour began hosting a free hors d’oeuvres bar Monday through Friday. Patrons can also enjoy discounted beer and cocktails from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. during the week.

“The free hors d’oeuvres at happy hour is surely new and unique to Evergreen,” said Jag Kapoor, one of the owning partners of Mexicali Grill. He noted that many patrons are pleasantly surprised as they walk in the sports bar during happy hour.

Authentic Mexican Regional Cuisine
Mexicali Grill’s menu boasts an array of dishes that bring the Sonora region of Mexico to us locals. The original owner of both Pedro’s and Mexicali Grill adopted authentic recipes developed by his own grandmother, who ran a restaurant for more than 22 years in Hermosillo, a town in the Sonora region.

According to Kapoor, the restaurant only serves dishes that are made from fresh ingredients. Sauces are carefully seasoned with herbs, vegetables and spices that are cooked, baked or grilled to perfection.

For the sweet corn tamales, the restaurant also makes its own “masa” or dough from fresh corn kernels. According to one of the restaurant’s chefs, Gabriel Nazareta, the sweet corn tamales with fresh tomatillo sauce and Camerones Cancun—grilled Mexican prawns served over a cilantro vinaigrette sauce—are among the top favorites of locals.

The regular fare, including burritos, tostadas and salads, is a mainstay. Yet specialties like the enchiladas suizas—chicken enchiladas in a fresh roasted tomatillo sauce—and the Steak Ala Tampiquena—New York steak marinated with a variety of smoked chiles, olive oil and garlic—have become popular as well.

Mexicali Grill today
Kapoor is very pleased with the tremendous community response that Mexicali Grill has received. “Friday nights are very busy and it continues throughout the weekend,” Kapoor said.

Sunday brunch is also very big at Mexicali Grill. A live mariachi band completes the ambiance and fulfills the restaurant’s aim to portray a great open air Mexican marketplace.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., you can hit the buffet, which offers a selection of at least 10 to 12 authentic Mexican dishes, from a variety of enchiladas, chile verdes and tangy mole sauces to menudo—a wonderfully aromatic soup made of tripe, hominy and chile.

The brunch does not stop at Mexican fare alone. A waffle and made-to-order omelet station allows patrons to enjoy a lighter traditional breakfast fare. With a salad bar and a dessert spread to boot, this is a good deal for $14.95 per adult and $7.95 per child. Children 4 and under are free.

Kapoor, also a longtime resident of Evergreen said, “I see Mexicali Grill as a great local hangout and family eatery that’s beyond what we’ve seen in Evergreen for so many years.”

Kapoor’s love and appreciation for Mexican cuisine began more than 25 years ago as a young immigrant coming to the Bay Area from India. He earlier discovered that Mexican flavors and spices were very similar to his own. Since then, his fascination and love for the cuisine flourished, and it was just a matter of time before Kapoor would establish a Mexican eatery in his own backyard.

Kapoor and his partners own both Mexicali Grill and Pedro’s in Santa Clara and in other cities. In addition to these popular sit-down Mexican restaurants, Kapoor and his co-investors at Heritage Ventures acquired the Uno Mas Mexican fast food chain last year.

Previously, Kapoor opened his first Quik Stop Franchise in 1979, began the Stop ‘N Save chain in 1981 and later acquired the Bonfare Markets chain in 1994. With Kapoor’s successful experience in establishing retail outlets throughout the Evergreen area, he understands that each business has its own particular problems.

“Lunch time is a struggle. It is one of the challenges we have to work on,” Kapoor said. To give his weekday midday business a boost, the restaurant offers lunch specials priced from $5.50 to $7.95, Monday through Friday, from 11 a.m. till 2 p.m.

It may not yet be like the “Cheers” neighborhood bar, but for now, you can surely find something to quench your thirst and satisfy your palate at the Mexicali Grill.

Mexicali Grill San Jose is located at 1610 E. Capitol Expressway at Silver Creek Road, San Jose, Calif. 95121. The phone number is (408) 531-0700. E-mail can be sent to mexicaligrill_sjc@sbcglobal.net. The Santa Clara location is located at 3149 Mission College Blvd., Santa Clara, Calif. 95054. The phone number is (408) 588-9865.

Coupons for specials and discounts can be found on page 37. For more details, go to: www.world2do.com/mexicaligrill/home.htm.