Father-Son Duo Run Mexican Restaurant on Bayshore

Edgar Vasquez humbly stands behind the cantina at a recently-opened roadside Mexican restaurant. Pinatas hang sporadically from the ceiling inside. From the road, the restaurant is recognizable by its bright orange stucco exterior and bright-colored Mexican window hangings.

His father Antonio Vasquez bought the 27-year-old building in 1996, but it has been operated by another Mexican restaurateur as El Zarape's, 2020 Bayshore Blvd., for several years, Edgar explained.

"My parents were the original owners for three years from '92 to '95, and they owned another restaurant in Brandon," the 21-year-old said. "And now we got it back from the previous owners who had it about eight years."

— named after the historic plaza in the center of Mexico City — opened its doors opened on Feb. 4.

Vasquez, who has moved all around Florida, particularly Jacksonville, finally settled in Pinellas County to be a part of a joint venture with his father, who was visiting Mexico at the time of the interview. In his father's absence, Edgar was running the restaurant with his mother's help.

The restaurant's specialties, Vasquez said, is the No. 9 special Chimichanga and signature fajitas. The menu offers other authentic fare such as burritos, flauta, taquitos, tamales, quesadillas, gorditas and chile rellenos and even chicken, shrimp, taco and steak salads. Their salsa — hot or mild — is made fresh daily.

If you're looking for a deal, Plaza Garibaldi has some running specials of interest:

• Buy one meal and two drinks, you can get half off with a meal.
• On Sundays, kids eat free with a purchase of an adult meal. 
• Two for $5 regular margaritas, served daily from 2 to 6 p.m.