As a creative individual, a competent cook with lot of experience and having eaten at thousands of restaurants over the years, I'm jaded. There's little that isn't available to me and I'm always paying attention to the differences, NOT the similarities of one restaurant to another. Those differences can be MAGIC!
By reading reviews on yelp and looking at pictures, I stumbled across their original location on Hazelwood Boulevard in Fresno. It was the most humble of restaurants and the proving grounds for what to become some of the most remarkable food being served in Fresno! The owners Anna along with her husband, Allen, have worked many long hours and years perfecting the food that was being served at that original small location. It was always packed! The parking was not good, and their dining room had probably four tables... Man was it busy!
What a joy it's been to support the business through reviews and encouragement over the years and to watch them grow. This is bucket list food, and you don't want to die before trying it. The recipes and the quality of the food is remarkable and you won't find anything similar with some distinctions....
This is ethnic cooking at its best. Did you ever have a family member from the 'old country' or go over somebody's house where they were making something so completely different from what you've ever had before that it was an memorable eye-opener? You longed for that amazing food even years later remembering how good it was... That is what it's like here!
Each dish is a custom creation, you select your level of spice, exactly how your eggs are to be cooked.. today I visited the new location in Clovis and it's a beautiful addition to the city. The parking lot is large, newly repaved, and the building itself is gorgeous with lots of tables. The service is excellent and ordering food to go is always an option as well...
At the Clovis location, you wait to be seated and pay at the front (not side) counter when finished. Cash or card are handled the SAME at each location and there's no funny business. Greg likes his Apply pay! This location has extended hours (closed 2PM-4PM) and is open for dinner, too! Salsa and chips hit the table when you arrive without asking... Thankfully, there are NO tvs or loud music getting in the way of 'simple pleasures' enjoying the food and actually being able to talk to someone across the table! Increasingly rare attribute that we should DEMAND more of from other restaurants. Wow me with the food, not the distractions!
Today I had the "Chilaquiles Deluxe" with Pork verde and red sauce on the Chiliques. Choose green if you like... It's served with 2 eggs, refried beans, Cota cheese and sour cream. I add onions to virtually everything as I'm into them and appreciate the added texture they bring. For me, textures (variations in food) are as important as the flavors. I'm always seeking texture in what I might be eating. One difference worth noting is that the Pork Verde (both locations) is cooked with the bones. It imparts a richness and flavor that is unmatched and can NOT be duplicated any other way.
Remember that 'ethnic cook' from the old country good meal that you STILL remember years later? That's what this version does! The dish came out with chunks that had no bone along with a few that did. Since it's fork tender, just set the bones aside and enjoy! Get it with asada, chicken or carnitas, too!
I Could NOT be more happy for Anna and Allen (wife and hubby owners). These folks have poured everything into their business, worked sometimes 7-days a week, 18 hours a day but you'd never know it. They are some of the most kind, humble, friendly, passionate folks and deserve every bit of success. God is blessing them and He blessed me too in having stumbled across their food years ago!
Perhaps you're jaded like me, hyper-aware and like noting the distinctions that make something substantially different in quality, taste, overall experience? Perhaps you're just someone who wants a great meal without much thought? With so many places to choose from these days, Las Mañanitas stands out scratching that itch like few others. Congrats to the business who are reaping some of the benefits of their unique offerings and consistent hardworking effort in putting out remarkable food! I tried my first Chiliques here ever and got hooked!
Thank you Lord for every meal that I receive!
In way of encouragement to you your staff and your family, KEEP up the good work! You are a stand out and noteworthy in yummy ways that delight! You are also an example of what hard work, discipline, loving into a business can accomplish longer term! So happy for you/us!! :) read more