BURLINGTON — Just a nine-minute drive away, family-owned Frida Sabor y Color is the answer Elon students have needed for their spicy Mexican food cravings.
The restaurant, which opened just a few months ago, is filled with bright colors and pictures of extraordinary musicians and artists. The beautiful sounds of the vihuela and maracas playing through the speakers perfectly encapsulate the feel of a traditional meal in Mexico.
The same family owned the now-closed “Fiesta Express.” Frida opened in the same location on Sept. 17 — just across from the Waffle House on University Drive.
“As a family, we are hoping to provide a more authentic menu of Mexican food,” said Gonzalo Quindos Fernandez, the restaurant’s general manager. “There are numerous places to find Mexican food around, but we are really hoping to stand out as a restaurant that is taking Mexican cuisine back to its roots while still moving with the contemporary demands.”
Excited about sharing their carefully created dishes with guests, Fernandez said there are two dishes that are important to his family and unique to Frida: cochinita pibil and mole Oaxaca, which are made with pork and chicken respectively.
Fernandez and his family have been cooking and experimenting with flavors and dishes for years, and they are hoping with this menu, their customers can enjoy real fresh Mexican food once again.
A look inside of Frida Sabor y Color.
It is extremely spacious, and customers can dine at booths, tables or even on the island stools where they can see the magic happening in the kitchen. Alternatively, the restaurant also offers takeout service.
Sophia, a customer at Frida, was delighted by her experience at the restaurant.
“It’s a really vibrant space, and the staff were extremely attentive and welcoming,” Sophia said.
As customers sit down at a table, they are greeted with delicious warm tortillas and fresh salsa.
The menu is filled with traditional Mexican classics and some new exciting dishes. From beef, fish, rice and tortillas, Frida serves nearly everything.
“It even has a full vegetarian section, which has often been a personal struggle at Mexican restaurants,” Sophia said. “There really is something for everyone.” The restaurant’s name comes from famous Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, who also shared a passion for cooking.
“She was revolutionary in Mexico,” Fernandez said.
The décor of the restaurant is also influenced by her artistic expression.
“The music and colors of the restaurant hope to capture and remind people of Mexican tradition,” Fernandez said.