By Sharon Goodman

Mucho Mas Fresh Mexican Grill is located at 609 Lincolnway.

Mucho Mas Fresh Mexican Grill is located at 609 Lincolnway.

Mucho Mas 

609 Lincolnway, LaPorte

(219) 362-9183

www.muchomasgrill.com

   There might be much talk nationally about the area where America meets Mexico, but that combination is a delicious bonus for LaPorte when you visit Mucho Mas Fresh Mexican Grill.

   From the moment you enter this newly renovated building you get the sense that something wonderful is happening in our town. Even the stuccoed walls are energized with vibrant colors of paprika, bright lime and golden yellow. The original decorative tin ceiling has been repaired to look brand new and, along with the modern-day ductwork, has been painted a pearly steel gray.

A burrito can be enjoyed with fresh nacho chips and homemade sauces.

A burrito can be enjoyed with fresh nacho chips and homemade sauces.

   But decor is only the tip of the iceberg. “Mucho mas” means “much more” in Spanish, and there’s definitely mucho mas for you to discover here. Owner Frank Marrufo-Torres, 25, and his brother José are two California guys who decided they wanted to open a restaurant. Frank has a degree in management from Purdue North Central, while José is an experienced cook. Together the brothers drew from their Mexican heritage, their vegan lifestyle, and the progressive thinking of California to come up with a unique concept that has hungry LaPorteans walking through the door in growing numbers.

Owner Frank Marrufo-Torres, 25, greets customers.

Owner Frank Marrufo-Torres, 25, greets customers.

   Asked about the pros and cons of opening a restaurant, Frank laughingly says it’s much harder than he ever expected but his reward comes in the many compliments he’s given on his restaurant, and especially when new customers tell him they heard about Mucho Mas from others and “just had to come here!”

   The innovative menu, which is posted on the wall, offers burritos, enchiladas, fajitas and tacos one would expect in a Mexican restaurant … but with a new twist. In addition to grilled (not fried) chicken or steak, you have the option of ordering healthy tofu. As one who has been a tofu devotee for years, I love that aspect of Mucho Mas! The accompanying pinto or black beans — made without lard, of course — are delicious and organic, while the pico de gallo and achiote sauces are a culinary delight.

   Many of the dishes come with fresh corn nacho chips, so be sure to visit the salsa bar and sample Mucho Mas’ offering of homemade sauces ranging from mild to fiery. Because Mucho Mas is a “partial service” restaurant, you can return to the salsa bar and drink station as often as you like for refills!

   While Mucho Mas has been open only about four months, business is steadily increasing and the Marrufo-Torres brothers will be hiring yet another employee this month.

   In addition to staff, there will also be a menu addition: California Fish Tacos. All the rage on the West Coast, this new dish features grilled talapia on a taco with shredded cabbage, pico de gallo (chopped cilantro, onion & tomato), and Mucho Mas’ special Ranch sauce made with achiote and Mayan seed.

   Mucho Mas offers delivery within the LaPorte city limits (minimum $10 order) and catering. The conveniently located restaurant is available for parties and gatherings evenings and Sundays.

SHARON GOODMAN is a professional photographer (www.studio-g-photo.com) and owner of Kessler Lofts in LaPorte.