King of the Grill: Roque Garcia
Tara A. Spears
There are good cooks and there are GREAT cooks; if you want perfectly grilled ribs look no farther than El Rodeo Restaurant on main street in Guayabitos. Every Monday you can enjoy one of Roque’s specialties- his famed pig roast or the best ribs in Riveria Nayarit. Monday February 25 is the all you can eat ribs night. This popular meal showcases Roque grilling talents so it’s best to call for reservations: 01 327 274 1367.
Long-time resident, entrepreneur, and king of the grill chef Roque Garcia has mastered the art of serving tender, flavorful ribs with to die-for sides. “I have the criteria that all of my dishes have to taste good or I won’t serve it,” said Roque. He always has enjoyed cooking, particularly grilling meat. “I have a food cart that I operate in New Mexico for many years.”
When Roque and his lovely wife, Mona, first started visiting Rincon de Guayabitos in the 1980s there were very few restaurants. Roque was talking with a friend about how he wished there was pizza available, and this conversation evolved into Roque and Mona starting the first pizza restaurant in the area, Mona Lisa. He created the recipes for the thin crust, developed the sauce and menu, even driving down a pizza oven that he purchased in the states in order to get the perfect crust. 
Next in Roque’s culinary evolution he decided to challenge himself by opening a restaurant with a broader menu. Roques Hideway was quickly the place to dine. “What I enjoy the most from cooking is seeing the customers satisfied and returning time after time” explains Roque. “I have made so many friends!” This restaurant was the first in Jaltemba Bay to serve rib eye steak. With over 40 years of grilling experience, Roque has got preparing steak and ribs nailed! He has served meals for 450 guests without a hitch and enjoyed the challenge.
After retiring, Roque is not one to pass on the tongs. When approached to cook for the only steak house in town (at that time,) Roque was pleased to join the staff of El Rodeo restaurant. “I love the organization and professionalism of El Rodeo. It fulfills my need to continue to man the fire,” said Roque.
Lucky for us that Roque continues to serve his amazing ribs!
To arrange catering for private parties, telephone Roque 327 274 3546 or El Rodeo restaurant