New Mexican Restaurant Opening Soon In Anne Arundel County

ANNAPOLIS, MD — A new Mexican restaurant will open later this summer in downtown Annapolis. The eatery has not yet announced its exact opening date.

The establishment's name, Picante, means "spicy" in Spanish. That name offers a glimpse at the flavors expected at the dining destination.

Fernando Juarez is opening Picante with his wife, Megan, and her family.

Juarez grew up in the Mexican state of Oaxaca on the Pacific coast. He also spent plenty of time on his grandparents’ ranch in the mountains of Zacatepec.

"He watched his grandmother prepare meals for dozens of ranch workers daily," Picante's website said. "His inspiration for Picante is drawn from the way that his grandmother brought people together around a table to share a meal with one another."

For more than 50 years, the Juarez family has operated its ranch in the central Mexican state of Morelos.

Juarez has harvested everything from lemons and limes to avocados and mangos. His grandfather still sells fresh queso, milk, meat and eggs at the local market.

The dedication of Juarez's relatives will continue at Picante.

"They taught him the importance of fresh ingredients and the thought and care that goes into cooking," the website said. "He has created a menu inspired by the recipes passed down through generations in his family, that brings traditional Mexican flavors and Oaxacan specialties to Annapolis."

Juarez moved to Annapolis nearly 20 years ago. He started working in the restaurant industry and eventually met his wife in the city.

The Picante owners are now hiring cooks, servers, bartenders and bussers. Interested applicants can learn more at this link.

Picante will be located at 48 West Street.

The eatery will open daily at 11 a.m. The business will close at 10 p.m. on Sundays through Thursdays. It will stay open until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Customers can visit picanteannapolis.com, follow the business on Facebook or email fernando@picanteannapolis.com for more information.

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