Cafe Tacuba is cited as having the most authentic Mexican type atmosphere. Surprise,surprise, it's located in the heart of Mexico City. If you're thinking on starting up a Mexican restaurant I suggest you take a business trip south of the border. Most Mexican eateries have their kitchen in full view of the customers, with the flat-top being the central focus. You neglect to mention what type of Mexican cuisine you will be showcasing. Tex-mex, Yucatan, Central Mexican? The type of cuisine will have implications for your decoration. You also neglect whether this will be an up-scale restaurant or a down to earth eatery. Las Manananitas in Cuernavaca offered shotglasses of Kaluha after every meal. It was a nice touch, but a bit expensive for the restaurant. As for decorations, tiles, from the standard large terra cotta ones to the smaller hand painted tiles are almost a requirement. I heartily suggest that you go to Mexico. There you can pick up authentic recipes, cheap decorations in the form of tiles and traditional cooking utensils, and just a better idea of what a Mexican restaurant is all about. If you have any questions, I'd be happy to give them a shot. I just returned from living in Mexico and could offer suggestions about where to visit. I also spent quite a lot of time in restaurant kitchens asking about recipes. Good luck! Michael
Mexico