Tastemakers: Agave Fajitas/Gran Centenario Repsiado Tequila

May 2, 2007

Agave Fajitas Alberto

This Saturday is Cinco de Mayo, the Mexican holiday that celebrates the Battle of Puebla in 1862 that jump-started a chain of events, leading to Mexico’s independence. As with St. Patrick’s Day, Cinco de Mayo has been adopted by Americans as another opportunity to celebrate with food and libations. A great place to celebrate is at Agave (see Al Parker’s article) in Traverse City, or its cousin restaurant Herraduras in Cadillac.
Recently opening in the former Gordie Howe’s location, Agave has three things going for it: great food, fantastic margaritas and exceptional service. The menu is loaded with inspired and authentic Mexican cuisine. The homemade chips and fresh salsa (a perfect balance of cilantro) made daily is the ideal starter. Order a bowl of their fresh guacamole as well. The Fajitas Alberto is a literal smorgasbord with grilled shrimp, chicken, steak and chorizo (that wonderful spicy sausage). It is served with a choice of corn (my favorite) or flour tortillas and a plate of refried beans and rice, along with fajita toppings of lettuce, tomatoes, onions, sour cream and guacamole. Enjoy this with their house margarita on the rocks.
In the 21 years I have lived here I have dined out about 4,500 times (four to five dinners or lunches a week), and this is the best service I have ever experienced in Northern Michigan, hands down. Last two times at Agave, our family sat in Lyle’s section, and this guy rocks. He gave my kids high-fives and made them feel important, and shook hands with my wife and I and welcomed us back. I watched in utter amazement as he worked 12 tables without missing a beat. He was also entertaining and charismatic and I overheard neighboring tables commenting on his charm, wit and exceptional attentive service. I have always been impressed with the waitresses at Boone’s Long Lake Inn and their ability to carry out an unbelievable amount of food on one tray, but to watch a waiter carry out five plates of food on one arm with no tray is equally impressive. Agave and Herraduras are must-tries, not just for their authentic food, but because they get what the dining experience is all about: the customer. Salud to Cinco de Mayo. To find Agave: 821 S. Garfield Ave. or call them at 929-4408.

Gran Centenario Reposado Tequila

The presidential election of 2008 will have several hot issues, and among them will be illegal aliens. Millions of Mexican nationals have crossed the border in search of jobs and finding a better life for their families here in the United States.
Ironically, my good friend Rob from Northport had to go to Mexico to find a job. A talented groundskeeper, he was once the superintendent of the famed Oakland Hills Country Club, leaving his position to care for a family member and pursue an MBA. After the passing of his family member and completing his MBA, there were few options for him here. Finally, after two years he landed a position with a prestigious golf development in Mexico. While I miss our weekly chats over coffee, the upside to him living in Mexico is he has become my source for great tequila. During his most recent visit, he brought me a bottle of Gran Centenario Reposado Tequila.
Reposado is tequila aged for two months to a year. Gran Centenario “rests” for 10 months in French Limosin oak casks, giving it a light golden color. The distiller also utilizes the “Seleccion Suave” process of older tequila reserves being added, creating a perfect blend of oak and blue agave (the plant that tequila is derived from) notes. While tequila has a reputation as a shot drink with salt and a lemon, as a margarita mixer, it is also great sipped neat or on the rocks. Gran Centenario, at $55 a bottle, is in this sipping category. It is smooth and has a hint of sweetness to it. Spice notes of cinnamon and vanilla blend well with citrus and tropical fruit flavors. Pair up with spicy fish tacos at dinner or sip with appetizers that have some zip. Mucho gracias Rob.