New Mexican restaurant in Tinley Park serves a 5-pound burrito

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Arturo Lamas always wanted to open a Mexican restaurant and his dream came true Monday when he soft opened Asado Mexican Grill at 9516 W. 179th St. in Tinley Park.

The specialty of the house? Would you believe a five-pound burrito, with sides of rice and beans, of course. It’s as big as the tray it’s served on, says Lamas.

“You can have it with steak, chicken, pork or ground beef,” says Lamas. “If you eat the whole thing, it’s free.”

“Nobody has dared to order one yet,” Lamas said with a laugh this afternoon. “The next best thing are the steak tacos.”

Lamas said he wanted to do a soft opening this week to make sure everything was working smooth before the grand opening next week. “It’s amazing. We’ve been busy all week.”

Lamas grew up in Calumet City with his wife, Sarah, who owns Fudgi Island Cookie Co. in Tinley Park. Both shops are offering a 10 percent discount to anyone who brings in a receipt from the other store.

“We want to drive traffic from each store to the other,” says Lamas, who adds that anyone who mentions reading about Asado Mexican Grill in Comings & Goings can also get a 10 percent discount.

Restaurant hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday but may change. “It depends on our customers,” he says. “Ideally, I’d like to be open from 10 to 10.” The restaurant is closed on Sundays.

The phone number is 708-970-8787 but it’s a recorded message until Monday. A website is also in the works at www.asadomexicangrill.com

Mokena ribbon cuttings on Saturday
Two new businesses in Mokena will hold ribbon-cutting ceremonies Saturday.

First up is The Little Guys home technology store, which will hold its ceremony at noon at its new location at 19031 S. Old LaGrange Road. The store recently completed its move from its longtime home in Glenwood.

Next up is the Spin Club at 2 p.m. at 9960 W. 191st St. Spin Club is a fitness center that utilizes indoor cycling.

Finally Fajitas
Fajitas Mexican Restaurant finally opened its doors this week at 167th Street and Harlem Avenue in Tinley Park. There's a second location in Countryside.

Meijer job fair continues next week
Meijer will continue its job fair Monday and Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Orland Park Civic Center, 14750 S. Ravinia Ave. The supermarket chain is hiring more than 100 people for its new store near 159th Street and Harlem Avenue in Orland Park. Jobseekers should first visit www.joinmeijer.com to fill out an application before attending the job fair. The store is expected to open this summer.