Cevichi at El Meson. (Photo by Mark Gilliland)More Info
EL MESONAddress: 248 Northgate Park and 2204 Hamilton Place Blvd.Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday-SaturdayPhone: 423-710-1201 (Hixson) or 423-894-8726 (Hamilton Place)
The last two months have been a whir of merry-making at El Meson, Chattanooga and Hixson’s favorite, family-owned Mexican restaurant.
On April 16, El Meson’s Hamilton Place location celebrated 25 years by offering food and beer specials all day.
“It was a very, very exciting day,” said Tony Ruiz, who owns the Hixson location.
Then, on May 5, both locations once again hosted their famous 21-and-up Cinco de Mayo parking lot parties, complete with live music, taco trailer, Patron margaritas and more.
Not surprisingly, Tony said the event “was amazing. It was an amazing turnout as always.”
But now, El Meson is gearing up for what is arguably its most important party.
“Celebration of mom!” Tony said. “We wouldn’t have been here without her.”
He, his brothers and his father — all of whom who help run El Meson — are easily recognizable faces around the restaurant.
“But Mama Ruiz, she is a very special lady,” said Tony. “A lot of these recipes were inspired by her. She’s in charge of all of our catering. We want to tell her how important she is.”
To celebrate Maria Ruiz, along with all the local moms, this Sunday, both El Meson locations are hosting a special brunch. Both are featuring an omelet station and two different taco stations, one with authentic al pastor meat and one with ground beef. There will also be soups, enchiladas and fajitas; homemade desserts such as tres leches cake, rice cake and brownies; and, of course, mimosas.
After all, El Meson knows how to throw a party.
“We want to say thank you to our mom, and to Chattanooga,” said Tony. “Thank you for all the great parties.”