Primo’s Margaritas—the best in Vancouver

For over 50 years Primo’s Mexican Grill, 1509 West 12th Avenue, on South Granville has set the mark on serving Mexican food to the city of Vancouver. Tucked away on bustling 12th Avenue just around the corner from Plum Clothing, Primo’s is an oasis of cheerful serenity and sophisticated cuisine. The decor is tasteful and the seating is comfortable. “People who come in here are always amazed at what they find,” says third generation Co-owner Jensen Villanueva, who runs the Primo’s restaurant with his brother Joel Villanueva. Their family has owned and operated this restaurant since 1959, when it was opened by their grandfather Primo Villanueva.  At that time, Primo’s was one of a handful of Vancouver restaurants.

So what does it take to stay alive in the competitive restaurant business of Vancouver for over fifty years? “It’s the Primo’s Margaritas!”, says Joel, “They are the best in the city. Everybody’s been trying to figure out our recipe for 50 years,” he grins while carefully mixing a batch of lime green liquid in a blender. The Villanueva family and staff also strive to make Primo’s better than ever. Mexican food has become a world class cuisine. Primo’s chef continues to develop new dishes that combine the best of new and traditional Mexican fare. “Mexican food continues to evolve”, says Jensen, “reflecting global changes and a more sophisticated consumer”. Just a whiff of the jumbo prawns sizzling in a garlic sauce, a favourite of Jensen, is enough to convince anyone. “Mexican ingredients can adapt easily to North American palates”, says Jensen.

Here’s his tip on how to take an ordinary corn on the cob, and turn it into something special:

Boil and butter corn as usual, but serve with a sprinkle of lime juice plus chilli powder. For a new taste sensation, try lime and chili powder on fruit, too.

And did you know that the ubiquitous Caesar salad is a Mexican invention? Legend has it that there was this guy called Caesar, who worked at a Tijuana restaurant already serving a romaine salad, which needed some pizazz. He started to improvise with a lot of garlic and anchovies and the rest is food history. Which is why Primo’s Ceasar Salad is especially yummy, it features a sauce papa Primo himself inherited from his Mexican parents. In fact, all the sauces and food at Primo’s Mexican Grill are family recipes, made fresh daily.

“It’s the Primo’s Margaritas!”, says Joel Villanueva, “They are the best in the city!”

The Villanueva family look forward to welcoming you to Primo’s Mexican Grill and want to extend a 50th Anniversary thank you to you and your family.

Special 50th Anniversary Promotion

Mention you read this blogpost on Your South Granville Blog, Facebook or Twitter and receive 10% off* your total bill, but hurry, this special promotion is only available until the end of May 2010.

*Some restrictions may apply. This promotion is not valid with other promotions.

Primo’s Mexican Grill
1509 West 12th Avenue
South Granville, Vancouver, BC Canada
604-736-9322

Source: excerpts from a story by
Monika S. Ullmann, contributor