You Gotta Eat: Taste of Jalisco, Mexico at Peoria’s Hacienda El Mirador

PEORIA (25News Now) - Hacienda el Mirador at Junction City Shopping Center offers a taste of Jalisco, Mexico, but comes with an unlikely story about its origin.

In her 20s, co-owner Julia Salvatierra moved from Boliva to Spain to Peoria. By chance she got a job in Spain, by chance working for Peoria entrepreneurs Alexis and Elizabeth Khazzam.

Seven years ago, she and her husband relocated their restaurant from the Chicago suburbs to Junction City and they’ve been thrilled to call it home.

“What is different is we make it homemade, everything - the salsa, the tortilla, everything we make it here - the chorizo. The other difference is we serve dishes you can’t find in other restaurants,” said Salvatierra.

She brought out a ton of food for Edgar Sandoval and 25News photojournalist Andrew Best to sample. Here are some of their favorites. Edgar loved the Quesabirria.

“The combination of the birria and the cheese. It’s just really rich.” said Edgar.

He found the Cheese Panela soft, creamy and delicious, part of a sampler platter.

Andrew particularly enjoyed a new menu dish with prawns.

“The meat is really, really tender,” said Andrew.

He also tried the Chile Relleno.

“I’m feeling just a tiny bit of heat in my mouth, but it’s not overpowering,” Andrew said.

Hacienda el Mirador prides itself on being welcoming to everyone.

“This woman has a knack for cooking that is just unbelievable. The presentations that she puts out are just outstanding,” said customer Ronald Givens.

Salvatierra says she loves serving her very loyal customers.

“I have customers for seven years, since we opened. I see familiar faces every single week,” she said.

Hacienda el Mirador is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

As for Edgar, he will be headlining the first standup comedy show at Stringtown BBQ in Washburn. There’s no cover charge, but call ahead for reservations at 309-248-7022.

You can also follow Edgar on his Facebook page or on Edgar’s website.

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