Exquisite Mexican food and fine tequila are beholden to the rich rays and the warm heat of the full sun.
After two months of painting the walls bright green, installing all new equipment in the kitchen, decorating the walls with framed prints reminiscent of Mexico, half oak barrels the tequila is aged in, and hiring and training 15 full-time employees, Caledonia’s newest and first authentic Mexican restaurant, Sol-Agave, opened its doors on December 20, 2023.
Sol-Agave promises it customers a taste of Mexico.
Cousins, Fabrien Arzate and Jesus Fuentes, are co-owners and live in the Madison area. When asked why Caledonia for their next restaurant? “There is nothing else around like it,” answered Fuentes.
Both owners obtained their knowledge and culinary skills from working at a variety of different restaurants. Arzate is part owner of nine restaurants and Fuentes is part owner of four Mexican restaurants.
Patrons are immediately welcomed at the door and lead to their table. The owners understand the importance of providing quick service during lunch, as they hired 15 full-time staff. Fuentes explained that customers only have 30 minutes for lunch so there is plenty of staff on hand to ensure that customers can get in and out quickly.
The centerpiece of the restaurant is a beautiful, large, u-shaped wooden bar with plenty of comfortable seating and friendly bartenders. Featured are recognizable brands of tequila, such as Jose Cuervo and Patrón. Currently, there is one local beer on the menu, and depending on how it goes, Fuentes said more local beers will be added. After first seeing the bar, your eyes are drawn to the large containers of colorful and flavorful frozen margaritas that take centerstage on the bar.
Your meal will start with a large bowl of warm corn tortilla chips and a bowl of fresh-tasting salsa. Margaritas are served in a large heavy square margarita glass with the restaurant’s logo blazing on the front. The first taste of the margarita connects with the roof of your mouth and your tongue is slightly sweet and then it blends into a delicious tasting slightly sour margarita.
There is something on the menu for everyone. If you are not sure what to order, try the owner’s favorite dish, tacos. Whether it a traditional Mexican street taco with finely chopped onions and rich-tasting cilantro or a warm corn tortilla shell with delicious taco flavored meat topped with lettuce and tomatoes, you will not be disappointed.
This reporter’s favorite dishes include street tacos, steak and chicken fajitas, and ceviche. Ceviche is a chopped seafood salad blended with lime juice and served with saltine crackers and corn tortillas. All are colorful, fresh, delicious, and a taste of Mexico.
The servings are plentiful and are served with generous portions of rice and beans.
Enjoy a delicious sopaipilla for dessert. A sopaipilla is a fried pastry smothered in cinnamon and sugar, topped with hot fudge, ice cream, whipped topping, and a cherry on top.
Patrons can either dine in for lunch or dinner or place an order to take out. Customers can also order a taco bar for off-site events like office meetings. Make sure to tell the staff it is your birthday.
Sol-Agave is open seven days a week, Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. till 10 p.m.
The wait staff wear black shirts with artistically designed Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead) images printed on the back. The shirts are available for purchase.
Contact Sol-Agave at (507) 725-2211. The restaurant’s menu can be found on Facebook and on their website at solagavecaledonia.com.
