Richard Sandoval, chef-owner of Richard Sandoval Restaurants, a leading international restaurant group with more than 30 locations worldwide, has expanded his culinary reach to Georgia with the addition of Zocalo in Midtown. On Saturday, May 4, Zocalo debuted new food and beverage menus as well as new décor and tableware to guests at the Midtown neighborhood mainstay. Serving authentic, upscale Mexican comfort foods as well as exciting cocktails and margaritas, Zocalo has introduced new flavor combinations that will delight the palate and exceed guests’ expectations.
“We’re thrilled to update this popular Midtown destination with a fresh look and an upscale, yet approachable menu,” said Zocalo general manager Carlos Mejia. “We designed a concept where guests can enjoy great Mexican food and exceptional cocktails and margaritas in a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere.”
With more than 20 years of hospitality experience, executive chef Lucero Martinez-Obregon continues to lead the kitchen as she has done since her family opened Zocalo in 1995. Since 2009, Martinez-Obregon has simultaneously served as chef de cuisine at Sandoval’s award-winning Pampano in New York City. A native of Mexico City, Martinez-Obregon focuses on modern Mexican concepts and techniques, often incorporating a combination of Mexican and other international cuisines in her recipes to create flavors that are crisp, clean and well defined. After working with Sandoval for years, Martinez-Obregon invited him to partner with her to re-invigorate her family’s beloved Zocalo.
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“I have known Lucero for years, and we have always had a great working relationship. I am very excited to have partnered with her on this project,” said chef Sandoval. “Her passion for authentic Mexican cuisine is remarkable, and her devotion to her Atlanta roots inspired me to expand my restaurant group to the Southeast.”
The Mexican comfort cuisine at Zocalo mirrors Sandoval’s popular Venga Venga concept in Snowmass Village, Colo., and includes upscale versions of tacos, enchiladas, fajitas and seafood dishes. Zocalo continues to make all salsas and sauces in house sourcing fresh ingredients from local farmers’ markets as the restaurant has done since 2007. Beginning with appetizers “for the table,” guests can select from two huarache flatbreads, ceviche de camaron and guacamole prepared fresh tableside. Main entrées include chicken tinga tacos with shredded chicken, tomato-chipotle sauce, pico de gallo and crema; beef barbacoa enchilada with house-smoked shredded beef, entomatada sauce and crema fresca; pan-seared Achiote salmon with a mild spice-citrus marinade, chile morita sauce, tomatillo-mango salsa, sweet corn tamale and charro beans; and a wide array of grilled vegetable and meat fajitas. Traditional Mexican desserts include caramel flan with pineapple-strawberry pico and churros topped with cinnamon, sugar, cajete and chocolate sauce.
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Completing the culinary experience, Zocalo offers more than 60 tequilas available for sipping or enjoying in handcrafted cocktails. New drink choices include an array of margaritas such as the “Cadillac” with tequila reposado, orange liqueur, citrus and served on the rocks as well as the “Atlantarita” with tequila, peach liqueur, citrus and served on the rocks. Latin cocktails such as flavored mojitos and sangrias are also available as well as nine Mexican beers by the bottle and a selection of wine by the glass.
The 2,000-square-foot restaurant features a 74-seat insulated patio overlooking the intersection of 10th Street and Piedmont Road in the heart of Midtown. With seating for 73 guests, Zocalo’s interior is a gritty, fun throwback to the old West. Dark, worn woods are the backdrop for rustic mirrors that reflect a lively scene. The wood bar, lined with corrugated metals, is ideal for guests looking to linger and sip on the many choices of smooth, strong tequilas. Pops of yellow and red cut an earthy space filled with neutral browns and warm, amber lighting.
Zocalo is located at 187 10th St. NE, Atlanta, Ga., 30309, and can be reached at 404.249.7576. The restaurant will serve lunch and dinner Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. For more information, please visit www.richardsandoval.com/zocalo or facebook.com/ZocaloAtlanta.