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WEST FARGO — Mas Tequila is ready to show metro-area residents a taste of Mexico that is not your standard Tex-Mex fare.
The tequila bar and restaurant at 611 32nd Ave. W. started its soft opening May 12, and is quickly building a customer base by word-of-mouth.
“So far, not one single person has come out of here unhappy,” Paola Leon, one of Mas Tequila's managers said Wednesday, May 18. “It’s a whole different concept. So I feel like when people come in, it does kind of rock their world a little bit. They’re used to Mexican food being Tex-Mex, where we’re a little more of a fine-dining Mexican.
“It’s way different. Everything is made in house. We don’t use any preservatives. No cans. Everything is fresh, made from scratch, drinks, food, even your desserts, your kids’ meals,” said Leon, who is credited by co-owner Juan Perez with coming up with the concept.
“All of the drink (ingredients) are freshly squeezed. No simple syrups. Only fresh and organic ingredients,” Leon said. “Basically, what we try to do with this concept is to transfer people to Mexico.”
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The bar is decidedly tequila forward, with a solid wall of bottles of blanco, juven, reposado, añejo, and extra añejo tequilas starting at waist height and reaching to the ceiling. There are also cabinets showing off high-end tequilas available.
There’s plenty of seating in the 4,000 square-foot bar and restaurant, including high-top butcher block-style tables with bar stools trimmed with tooled leather; couches and coffee tables; and more restaurant-style sets of tables paired with chairs and cushioned booth backs, mostly done in shades of brown and gold.
Murals of farmers in fields tending and harvesting agave plants cover the brick walls, telling the story of how tequila is made. And some of the chandeliers are made from the tequila barrels in which the spirits are fermented.
A large garage door can be opened in nice weather to open the bar area to the patio.
“We want to make people feel like they’re in Mexico, without having to travel,” Leon said.
Most of the tequilas at Mas Tequila are sourced back to the Mexican state of Jalisco. There are also barrel select tequilas and mezcals available.
Chef Juan Pablo Ruiz has created a compact but comprehensive menu, including appetizers and a wide variety of enchiladas and tacos. Entrees include tenderloin, pork medallions, duck and sea bass. There are also a couple of desserts.
Margaritas and wine are also served, as are non-alcoholic beverages such as Jarritos, Mexican Coca-Cola, horchata, and Topo Chico sparkling water.
Perez, who also co-owns the Plaza Azteca Mexican restaurant in Fargo, is proud of how Mas Tequila has turned out, and he likes the family friendly feel.
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“Families are welcome," said Perez.
Leon said diners understand Tex Mex, and she hopes Mas Tequila can build upon that taste experience.
"Because like I said, it’s completely different than your typical Tex Mex,” she said. “All of our dishes are like traditional things that you would actually find in Mexico. They’re just stepped up a level, presentation-wise.”
Mas Tequila is open 4 p.m. to midnight Tuesday through Thursday, 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, noon to 1 a.m. Saturday, noon to 7 p.m. Sunday, and closed Monday.
