Tuesday, September 29, 2020

Primo's Mexican Grill in White Rock

We didn't know Primo's had opened across from the Pier in White Rock. We noticed "Primo's" but didn't realise it was the original. We'll have to get there. When we were in university Jim had a job for a short time parking cars at the original Primo's. He had to sit on the street  with a sombrero. I wish I had a picture of that! He loved getting to drive some of these very fancy cars and after his shift he got to order anything off the menu...heaven for him:) They were a really nice family to work for.

The article in The Sun today (front page) was about how their business has been impacted since they aren't getting the usual traffic and also they can't go across the border to get the special spices they use that are available and cheaper in the US. The businesses in Point Roberts are hurt even more. 

Difficult times for so many people.


From Surrey604 Magazine when Primo's opened in White Rock: 

 Primo’s Mexican Grill is owned by Joel and Jaclynn Villanueva, who live in White Rock with their two sons. We had an opportunity to sit down with owner Jaclynn and hear the nostalgic story of one man’s dream in the 1960’s. Joel’s grandfather, Primo Villanueva, a football player for UCLA, was drafted by the BC Lions in the 1960’s. When he and his wife made the move north, they discovered there wasn’t much of a Mexican community here. In fact, there wasn’t even a single Mexican restaurant in the province! So they opened Primo’s Mexican Grill to bring a little Latin flavour to the Vancouver neighbourhood of W. 12th and Granville. Primo’s wife, affectionately known as Nana Zina, developed the recipes and the restaurant thrived under their ownership for 25 years. After that, his son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Doreen, took the reins for another 25 years. In keeping with tradition, the restaurant was passed down to their children. For several reasons including a change in the feel of the neighbourhood, Joel and his brother decided to close the doors to Primo’s but never gave up on their family’s legacy. Five years later, Primo’s is alive and projected to do very well on Marine Drive, right across the pier where Cielo’s stood for 20 years. In addition to the new location, the Villanueva family is celebrating Grandfather Primo being inducted into the B.C. Restaurant Hall of Fame as a pioneer in the industry.

So, what’s changed? Not Nana Zina’s recipes! However, Jaclynn excitedly told me that there will be some additions to the menu as well as an expansion in the way people are able to order food combinations. Alongside the extensive choice in Tex-Mex meals, tequila-lovers will rejoice at the options at the tequila bar. Aged from blanco to extra anejo, patrons can select their tequila and then choose to sip it straight or add it to a favourite margarita.

During the soft launch, tables are available by reservation only as the staff prepares for an anticipated mid-June opening. The current menu is a teaser of what is to come. Here’s what we ate and loved:

Primo's Mexican Grill, mexican food, white rock, surrey bc

Primo’s Signature Wings

Primo's Mexcian Restaurant, mexican food, white rock, surrey bc

Chicken Enchiladas and Chiles Rellenos