Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1249
The House that Sauza Built "It all started with a tortilla," says Rlene Mijares de Lang as she motions to the generous spread of tamales, enchiladas, fl autas and, of course, Margaritas, in front of her. It may have started with a tortilla, but during a bustling lunchtime at Mijares Mexican Restaurant in Pasadena, it's clear that 88 years later, the Mijares family has become a staple in this community. "He's been coming here since he was a little boy," says Alice Mijares Recen- dez, mother of Rlene and daughter of founder Jesucita Mijares, as she gestures to a diner at a nearby table. "It's true; I've been coming here for 40 years," admits the man between bites; "I grew up eating here." For the better part of a century, Mijares has been drawing in genera- tions of families thanks to their signa- ture volcanic stone-ground tamales and top-secret enchilada sauce, but the family-owned and -operated res- taurant wouldn't be where it is today without a little liquid inspiration. "We are defi nitely a Sauza house," explains Rlene. "We've been pour- ing Sauza for over 80 years, and it's always been our well tequila . . . and our customers love our Margaritas!" But Mijares isn't partial to Sauza just because it's a family tradition. "It's just a great tequila," says Al- ice, who mentions that Sauza is the tequila of choice for private family fi estas as well. "It's the best there is, and I would never drink it if it wasn't good." While remaining loyal to the Sauza brand, the Mijares family has had to grow and evolve with the times. "We've grown from a family- owned restaurant, to a savvy busi- ness," explains Rlene. "Even though we're an institution in this commu- nity, we have to stay fresh in order to be competitive." One of Mijares' most successful adjustments has been the addition of the Spa Margarita, formulated with the help of a nutritionist and contain- ing a quarter of the calories found in the house Margarita. "It's top secret," says Rlene coyly when THE TASTING PANEL asks for the recipe. "But of course, it's made with Sauza." For this family business, loyalty to the brand, and to each other, has been the key to success. "We've been approached many times by brands hoping to get us to switch away from Sauza," admits Rlene. "But we feel that if we make that switch, it would be the end of the best Margarita in Pasadena." Alice is quick to chime in: "We're a family, and tradition matters to us," she says. "And I wouldn't have it any other way." La Tradación La Tradación Alice Mijares Recendez displays photos that capture some of the restaurant's historic family moments. Mijares has been in operation for over 88 years. Alice Mijares Recendez (left) enjoys a Sauza house Margarita, while her daugh- ter Rlene Mijares de Lang savors the top-secret-recipe Sauza Spa Margarita at Mijares Mexican Restaurant in Pasadena. 74 / the tasting panel / june 2009 Tequila