A Mexico native with 20 years of restaurant experience, Amador Gutierrez plans to open an authentic Mexican restaurant called Pura Enchilada Taqueria in Alpharetta in June or July. As owner and chef, Gutierrez will make everything to order, from the tortillas to the ceviche.
“I like to do it simple but do it right,” he says. “The tortillas are just flour, water and a little salt—no preservatives.”
Gutierrez learned to cook as a child by watching his mom, grandma, and aunts prepare meals. “Ever since I was a kid I knew I wanted to be in the restaurant industry,” he says. “Nothing made me happier than making my parents something to eat.”
He’s taken these techniques and recipes and applied them to the menu at Pura. Offerings will include the Michoacana enchilada made with carnitas, caramelized onions, green sauce, pico de gallo, and cotija cheese, and a variety of tacos, burritos, nachos, and tortas. The order-at-the-counter spot will also serve four weekly changing items.
“Everything will be fresh and old school,” Gutierrez says. That includes the drinks, too. The bar will have select wines and both Mexican and local beers, but the focus will be on tequila and margaritas. Flavors include cucumber, cilantro, jalapeno, and strawberry. He’ll be curing the tequila in house, too.
Located at 11550 Jones Bridge Road, Pura will be nearly 5,000 square feet, including a patio. Gutierrez says he’s going for a modern rustic look with stainless steel and wood with no tablecloths.
