El Meson Restaurante Mexicano brings a festive taste to the holidays with recipes passed down through the Ruiz family, prepared to perfection for guests at the restaurant and offsite holiday celebrations of all sizes.
“People get tired of all the traditional food, turkey and dressing and such,” says Tony Ruiz, owner of the family-owned restaurant’s Hixson location. “So if you want to bring something different, everyone loves our tamales, and then there’s our mole.”
Parties can be hosted at both the Hixson and East Brainerd restaurant locations in one of the onsite party rooms, or the party’s host can work with the Ruiz family to create the perfect offsite catered event. Ruiz says the popular restaurant has hosted several traditional “taquizas” in which El Meson’s staff sets up a portable grill and cooks three different meats for guests. Each taquiza is accompanied by a pot of soup and a specialty salsa bar that features four different salsas, guacamole and cheese dip.
“A lot of restaurants might feel it’s a hassle to have a big party, but we love it,” Ruiz says. “We’re prepared for the big parties and so we want you to bring out your family and co-workers, or we can come to you.”
During the holiday season, he says, both of the restaurant’s locations will be focusing on speedy lunches so tired shoppers can come in and re-energize before hopping back into the retail fray. “We’re going to be open early on Black Friday at both locations so call for details, and we’re going to be having drink and food specials throughout the whole shopping season,” Ruiz says. “We are offering some new sides now. There are tons of Mexican restaurants in Chattanooga, but we like to be in our own category and offer customers more choices – something beyond the refried beans and rice.”