The team behind this beloved Mexican restaurant just opened a new spot in metro Phoenix
Fans of popular Phoenix restaurant Tacos Chiwas will be pleased to know that a new sister restaurant, Cocina Chiwas, has opened on Apache Boulevard in Tempe.
Plans for Cocina Chiwas began two years ago, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. For co-owners Armando Hernandez and Nadia Holguin, the opening of the new restaurant signified a "rainbow at the end of a rainstorm."
"We wanted to push forward with inclination toward the future. We knew that at some point in time, we were either all gonna die or move forward," Hernandez said. "It was really important for our own sanity. It was like, 'here's a promise for the future if we get through this.'"
Cocina Chiwas is part of the upcoming housing development project Culdesac, the first completely carless neighborhood in the U.S. The apartment complex is expected to house approximately 1,000 residents beginning this summer.
Hernandez said he and Holguin "fell in love with" the idea of opening a restaurant in a car-free neighborhood, and they hope the lack of cars will inspire a tight-knit community.
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What to expect at the new Tempe restaurant
The restaurant's design is open and inviting with large glass windows taking up almost the entire wall, lots of greenery and a spacious outdoor patio meant to create a welcoming vibe to encourage residents of the nearby neighborhood to walk in. There is also ample space for bicycle parking and a small lot for those visiting by car.
All of the restaurant's plates and bowls were handmade by a local ceramic artist and signed on the bottom and Hernandez built all of the tables and chairs himself. He said it took him about two weeks to complete each set, doing most of the work while also helping out at Tacos Chiwas, Bacanora and Espiritu. He also built his own grill, similar to the one he previously built for Bacanora.
"Only you know what exactly you need for a specific thing," Hernandez said. "And I'm a hands-on type of person. So, I've always liked to be very involved in every aspect of the business in that way."
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What's on the menu at Cocina Chiwas?
Though the menu is not yet finalized, Hernandez said the focus is on Chihuahuan-style tacos, wood-fired quesadillas and Mexican pizzas. He described it as an "approachable menu" ranging from $10 taco plates to more expensive steaks.
The flour tortillas are inspired by those Hernandez and Holguin made at the now-closed Roland's Cafe Market and Bar, which the couple opened with Chris Bianco in 2018.
The bar will serve cocktails made with agave spirits, including a Paloma made with grapefruit soda, lime juice and tequila, Sotol hibiscus punch and an absolutely delicious piña colada.
Guests will also be able to go with a "choose your own adventure" option, similar to the one offered at Espiritu cocktail bar in Mesa. Guests can share as much or as little information about their preferences as they like with the bartender who will make a unique surprise based on the information.
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Plan a visit to Cocina Chiwas
When Culdesac Tempe officially opens to residents in a few months, Hernandez said he hopes the restaurant becomes a staple part of the community that people feel comfortable walking into for a quick bite or drink.
"If you can be at the base of a community, you know they got your back. They won't let you wander no matter what," Hernandez said.
Cocina Chiwas will soft-open on Friday, Feb. 10 with a grand opening to follow. The soft open hours will be Tuesday through Saturday from 5-10 p.m.
Details: 2001 E. Apache Blvd., Tempe. @cocinachiwas on Instagram.
Reach the reporter at endia.fontanez@gannett.com. Follow @EndiaFontanez on Twitter.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix Mexican restaurant Tacos Chiwas expands with Cocina Chiwas
