New Mexican Restaurant El Tarasco Brings Authentic Flavors to Knoxville

New Mexican Restaurant El Tarasco Opens in Knoxville

Knoxville is welcoming its newest culinary addition with the opening of El Tarasco, located at 145 South Gay Street. The restaurant offers authentic Mexican food that aims to bring the true flavors of Michoacán, Mexico, to the city’s dining scene. El Tarasco officially opened its doors last month, quickly gaining attention from locals looking for something different from the typical Americanized Mexican fare.

A Rich Heritage and Unique Offerings

Co-owned by Araseli Tehandon Herera and her aunt Margarita Herera Acuata, El Tarasco was inspired by family roots and culinary traditions. The name “El Tarasco” is a nod to a lively dancing figure from their hometown in Michoacán, representing a part of their cultural legacy. In the restaurant, guests will find a photo of the dancing man, which is a charming reminder of their heritage.

Araseli expressed excitement about the dishes they serve, sharing that Michoacán is well-known for its delicious offerings. Among the highlighted dishes on their menu are pozole, a hominy soup, and menudo, a beef belly soup that some might hesitate to try but is incredibly flavorful. Notably, the menudo is available only on weekends.

Growing from a Flea Market to a Permanent Location

The journey to opening El Tarasco began with Margarita’s successful food stall at the Green Acres Flea Market. Her aunt had a loyal following who enjoyed the selection of traditional Mexican foods she offered. Due to requests for daily access to their food, the family decided to explore the possibility of opening a restaurant. Following a tragic fire at the flea market, they started looking for a more permanent location.

After some time searching and with help from family connections, they found their spot on South Gay Street. El Tarasco officially opened in early July 2024, and Araseli shared that the response has been positive despite some ups and downs at the start. “We’ve received great support from local residents, and some even recall enjoying meals from my aunt’s stall,” she explained. As word spreads, it seems more and more people are discovering the restaurant.

Authenticity and Flavor

What sets El Tarasco apart is its commitment to authentic cooking. Araseli highlighted their hand-made tortillas and gorditas, noting that the meat used is more traditionally prepared with special spices and flavors characteristic of their hometown. Their chicken, for instance, is shredded and marinated in a flavorful red sauce that adds depth without overpowering heat.

The restaurant is currently operating with plans to expand its menu as they await the installation of a hood for cooking a wider array of dishes. There’s also the aspiration of launching a food truck in the future.

Dining Hours and A Warm Invitation

El Tarasco welcomes patrons every day, opening at 10:00 am. They close at 6:00 pm on Sundays and Mondays, while the doors remain open until 9:00 pm from Tuesday to Saturday. For anyone seeking traditional Mexican flavors without the American twist, El Tarasco is a new destination that promises a genuine taste of Mexico.

As more customers discover the offerings at El Tarasco, feedback continues to be encouraging. Araseli noted that even people who have visited Michoacán in the past are delighted to find familiar flavors right in Knoxville, proving that a welcoming atmosphere and authentic cuisine can create a special experience.