Turning over a ‘new leaf’

Tijuana Mexican Grill is literally turning over a new leaf after being acquired by New Leaf Corp., which will take over from Elysium Inc., the owner of the Saipan Gold Beach Hotel along Beach Road in Garapan.

New Leaf Corp. general manager Frederick Santos said the company has been managing the only Mexican grill restaurant on Saipan since April 1.

Santos said that, with the new management, he is looking at attracting group functions, especially now that the restaurant will provide a function area by the pool that can house at least a hundred guests for their parties and celebrations.

The new company also hopes to tap into the local agriculture industry by buying freshly grown vegetables and fruits in the CNMI.

Additional menu

The new Tijuana Mexican Grill will undergo a gradual facelift and interior design change to give the restaurant a more south-of-the-border feel. Complementing the improvements would be further additions to its Mexican menu, said Santos.

Starting today, for instance, Tijuana Mexican Grill will offer a new and delightful Mexican dish called Seafood Tamales. Santos said this hot and spicy dish is just in time for the Lenten Season.

Starting Monday, two more dishes will be added to the menu—the “Camarones con Naranja y Tequila” and the “Steak Fajita.”

Each week the restaurant will also feature food specials, to be complemented with exquisite desserts.

Santos said the restaurant would adhere to its Mexican leanings by serving as much as possible drinks, wines, and food from Mexico and Latin America.

“The restaurant is currently offering beers and wines from Mexico,” he said,.

Very soon, a meat grinder will be set up in the restaurant so that they could grind their own beef to serve fresh burgers and tacos, among other Mexican food.

Tijuana Mexican Grill would soon renovate and re-layout its interiors to make it more “kid-friendly” for dine-in guests, said Santos.

By June this year, the restaurant will present a new face to its patrons, with a new setup and layout, making it a more “family-oriented” restaurant.

Santos said any vendor interested in providing the restaurant fresh vegetables and other goods could visit the restaurant for possible tie up.

“Look for our restaurant manager, Cesar Ladringan, or me when they visit us here,” Santos said.