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02/21/2007Eatery offers an extensive menuFrom chalupas to tostados, diners have their pickSpecial to the Record-Eagle 
Javier and Dusty Rodriguez own Agave Mexican Grill, located on Garfield Avenue in Traverse City. TRAVERSE CITY — The hearty, ornamental plant that is the source of sisal and tequila also is the name of one of Traverse City's newest restaurants. Dusty and Javier Rodriguez have opened Agave Mexican Grill at 851 S. Garfield Ave., which formerly housed Hockey Heroes and before that, Gordie Howe's Tavern & Eatery. "Javier and I looked around at several locations before deciding on this one,” said Dusty, who is joined by several family members in operating the restaurant. The Rodriguezes live in Cadillac, where they operate another Mexican eatery, Herraduras. Both have been in the restaurant business for years, with Javier doing everything from serving to cooking to managing. Agave's transformation from a sports-oriented eatery to a Mexican restaurant took months, but the effort was worth it. Colorful murals by Lansing artist Domingo Gamboa dominate several of the walls where hockey memorabilia once reigned. A wall of masks lends an authentic Mexican aura to the quiet dining area farthest from the front door. The eatery has an extensive menu. Of course, all of the Mexican standards are available — burritos, chalupas, enchiladas, quesadillas, tamales, tostados and much more. In addition to those Mexican staples, Agave offers several entrée items that are seldom found at other area eateries, including: • Pollo San Juan, a grilled chicken breast topped with five large shrimp. • Burrito de la Playa, crab and shrimp grilled with onion, tomatoes and bell peppers and topped with melted cheese. • Chuletas de puerco, two grilled pork chops marinated with Mexican spices. • Chori pollo, grilled strips of marinated chicken cooked with chorizo (Mexican sausage). The menu also features five types of Mexican salads, a handful of vegetarian entrees and desserts such as fried ice cream and a banana burrito. For those who don't know a chimichanga from a chalupa, a glossary explains some of the dishes. The restaurant's bar boasts a wide selection of margaritas and imported beers and tequilas. "We're offering real Mexican food,” said Dusty. "Everything is fresh. Nothing we serve comes out of a can. And we want folks to understand that real Mexican food is not always spicy.” Almost as important as the quality of the food is the quality of the service. "We stress customer service,” she said. "We're very proud of our servers. Javier and I pride ourselves on giving our guests outstanding service.” Agave will have a grand opening the week of Feb. 26.
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