June 18

Cucos Mexican Café & the New Locos Taqueria Oscar Franco, Chef /Owner For 36 years, Restaurateur Oscar Franco has been bringing families of Montgomery and the River Region to- gether for exceptional Mexican dining. Inspired by both his mother and his aunt who were excellent cooks, Oscar became a man with a plan to share the traditions of Mexican cuisine. After graduating with a BA degree in restaurant and hotel management, he went to work in the in- dustry with the goal of becoming inde- pendent and opening his own restaurant. Oscar reached his first goal 22 years ago when he bought Cucos on the East- ern Boulevard and later keeping up with the times he relocated Cucos out east to Chantilly Parkway. In 2015 with the re- vitalization of downtown, Franco re- opened his second location as a completely redesigned Cucos right on Dexter Avenue. From the bar’s white tile backsplash and dramatic under lighting to the contemporary art and lighting fix- tures, Cucos Downtown offers an up-to- date pleasing atmosphere for business lunches and dinner. Franco takes great pride in serving tra- ditional Mexican cuisine always made with the freshest ingredients. Try the siz- zling fajitas, the famous chimipoquitos, the shrimp enchiladas with sour cream chipotle sauce and the delicious fried ice cream. Plus, you can start every meal with Cucos’ delicious made-from-scratch guacamole or cheese dip served with their famous light crispy chips. What is Franco up to now? Clearly still on the move, he is in the process of de- veloping plans to remodel the Chantilly location. And, actually Franco is in the process of opening a new restaurant out East at the Waugh exit. Yes...it’s Mexi- can, but with a different concept than his other two. “This time it is a taqueria,” says Franco. “And I named it Locos Taqueria. The menu is basically tacos made with handmade tortillas. Plus we are offering a variety of salsas and sides to go with the tacos. So, visit us soon.” Cucos also provides private full-ser- vice catering. Make a fajita bar the staple of your next family event or fiesta! Hours: Pike Road: Monday – Thursday 11:00 am – 9:30 pm; Friday – Saturday 11:00 am – 10:30 pm; Sunday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm Montgomery Downtown: Monday – Thursday 11:00 am – 9:30 pm; Friday 11:00 am – 10:30 pm; Saturday closed; Sunday 11:00 am – 3:00 pm 28 RIVER REGION LIVING www.riverregionliving.com Pike Road: 11123 Chantilly Parkway | 334-271-3528 Downtown: 72 Dexter Avenue | 334-832-0081 Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/cucosofmontgomery www.cucosmexicancafe.com