Cinco de Mayo Operator's Menu Guide
Create profitable menus for both bar and restaurant areas of the operation with premium products and sensational recipes.
Mexican food is all about versatility. Mexican products can be served at every meal and cover most menu applications. Here are some suggestions for menu items.
The Basics
Tortillas: Tortillas are essential to many Mexican meals. Today's sophisticated customers enjoy newer tortilla dishes such as wraps, pinwheels, and Mexican layered pizza as well as traditional Mexican dishes like enchiladas, burritos, fajitas, tacos, and quesadillas.
Spice: One of the easiest ways to create a signature Mexican dish is to add just the right touch of flavor. Careful attention to the mix of chilies and jalapeños will provide the desired heat level.
Salsa: For dipping and topping, use either picante sauce or salsa. Both of these products are used as a key ingredient in many Mexican dishes. Serve with tortilla chips or cover eggs, burritos and enchiladas for authentic Mexican appeal.
Sides: The creative use of side dishes can add excitement and profit to your menu. Try roasted vegetables in place of traditional rice and beans and watch your sales heat up. And don't forget to add a new dimension to Mexican, Southwestern, and other Hispanic-style dishes with Mexican cheese.
Breakfast
Lunch
Starters
Dessert
Late Night
Kids' Menu
Bar Menu
Feature Mexican beer, such as Tecate, Chihuahua, Corona, Dos Equis, Bohemia, and Carte Blanca. Most Beverage distributors will offer a Cinco de Mayo promotion, so take advantage of it and ask for merchandising materials as well.
Showcase frozen drinks, such as margaritas, pina coladas, and other fruit blends. Eliminate the liquor for a splendid non-alcoholic beverage menu. A signature item to feature is a Perfect Margarita (made with premium liquors and served in a metal shaker with a frozen martini glass garnished with a spear of olive and lime.) Pair bar beverages with appetizer items to keep customers eating while they are drinking.
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