While Garcia’s menu still features Tex-Mex staples, such as tacos, fajitas and enchiladas, he prefers to highlight dishes from different regions in Mexico, such as Yucatan. He said working with a fellow chef helped him see he could offer more.
“In early 2000, I worked with Hugo at Hugo Ortega’s, and I like the style that he got,” Garcia said. “He said, ‘I will make sure that I present Mexico the way it is.’ And that’s what I do over here as well.”
The recipes Garcia uses are centuries-old Mexican staples, but he said he does not let tradition limit the flavors or stylings of the dishes. For example, he explained the cochinita pibil originated in the 1600s, but he adapted the dish to the tastes of his customers while still respecting the traditional aspects of the recipe.
“And I make some fusions in a few dishes from Mexico, inside Mexico,” Garcia said. “Different states that I got from the south and north together, but there’s some others that need to be original—just don’t touch because they’re great like that.”
Garcia also said he sees food as art and believes visiting a restaurant is a time to experience new things and take time to enjoy these new experiences. He presents his art through the way meals are arranged on the plates and in the dishes themselves. The plates are red clay and resemble what someone would see when visiting Mexico. Each meal is expertly plated to represent Garcia’s creative vision for his restaurant and go out to customers as individual artworks to be savored.
“For me, food is art; it is sexy art,” he said. “You know, because everything when you see that you are going to just fall in love. So that’s something that you are going to enjoy.”
Another key aspect of Garcia’s vision for Aroma is the welcoming atmosphere and a sense of belonging. He prides himself on keeping the dining area comfortable and reminiscent of a restaurant just south of the border. As for the experience, Garcia explained that customers are encouraged to take their time while visiting and are never rushed out, another reference to Mexican hospitality and tradition.
“This is your place,” Garcia said. “When you sit at the table, you own it.”
7626 Fry Road, Ste. 100, Cypress, 832-427-1059. www.aromamexicankitchen.com
Hours: Mon-Wed. 4-9 p.m., Thu.-Sat. 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
