This week’s Taco Tuesday takes AY to La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant on Cantrell Road!
According to Fernando Alvarez, manager and son of the owner of La Hacienda, the restaurant originally started in Hot Springs in 1985 before branching out to Little Rock in 1996.
His family currently owns and operates the Hot Springs, Little Rock and Benton locations with a focus on delicious food.
“Most of our food and recipes come from our grandmother in Michoacan, Mexico, where our entire family is from,” Alvarez says.
He points out that La Hacienda strives for authenticity while creating a colorful plate.
“In Michoacan it rains a lot, so we have a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables. They combine to make lots of great tasting food.”
When it comes to La Hacienda’s tacos, Alvarez says that the key is a high quality cut of meat and time.
“We let things marinate overnight, at least eight hours, before we are able to throw them on a grill. We bring back marinades and salsas from Michoacan, so everything is very authentic.”
Alvarez emphasizes letting the food “sit” in marinades and salsas in order to “lock in” the flavor.
La Hacienda has three main types of tacos: soft, crispy, and street tacos. These tacos all come with various ingredients, such as the carne asada, or steak, chicken, beef, shrimp, fish, and the al pastor, or marinated pork. Alvarez reveals that they are contemplating a new taco consisting of a delicate cut of inner skirt steak, called arrachera, but this is still in the works.
Alvarez tells AY that the most popular tacos are the al pastor and carne asada. His personal favorite is the carne asada street taco.
“Once you get the cilantro, the onion, and special salsa with a touch of lime,” he says. “It’s very authentic.”
Hungry for a taste of La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant? Be sure to check out one of their locations in central Arkansas!
READ MORE: Tacos Godoy Offers Authentic Mexican Cuisine in Arkansas
