Taco opportunity

Michel Cuervo has always loved working in the kitchen.

“I like to eat,” he said. “When I have time, I am cooking. I enjoy that. It’s like my hobby.”

That’s why the Cuervo family opened Winchester’s Cuervos Tacos in December 2020. Their success led Michel, along with his friend and business partner Jairo Correa, to open a second location seven months later in Portland.

“He lives and breathes culinary,” Correa said of Cuervo, who attended four years of culinary school in Mexico. At 27, Cuervo owns and operates the two restaurants about 20 miles apart.

The storefront at 605 N. Meridian St. once housed Taqueria El Agave Azul, another restaurant that closed its doors earlier this year.

“We saw an opportunity and we just went with it,” Correa said, noting most of the equipment and furniture remains from the space’s previous tenant. “It was almost a turn-key operation.”

Cuervos Tacos II started serving customers July 12. Since then, Cuervo said, business has been good.

Authentic street tacos –– two corn tortilla shells topped with a choice of meat, fresh onions and cilantro, with lime on the side –– are one of Cuervos’ specialties. Another popular dish is swimming quesadillas, which are filled with a choice of meat, topped with cheese sauce and served with a side of rice, lettuce, tomato and sour cream.

Cuervos Tacos II offers a variety of meats, including chicken, steak, shrimp, chorizo, bacon, ground beef and bone-in pork chops. Cuervo said their grilled meats are marinated for 24 hours before serving to ensure good flavor. None of their food is pre-cooked, he continued, and their ingredients –– such as tomatoes in the salsa or avocados in the guacamole –– are always fresh.

The restaurant also serves a variety of other dishes, including more Americanized versions of traditional Mexican foods. As time goes on, Correa said, they plan to serve weekend specials and offer patrons a chance to try new tastes.

“We’re just happy to have the opportunity to be there and offer people the chance to try our food,” said Correa.

Cuervo first arrived in Winchester on a three-month visit to see his parents, who had retired and moved to the United States. That was five years ago.

“Where I come from, it’s very hot and warm,” Cuervo said, explaining why he decided to become a Hoosier. “Indiana is very good for me –– especially this season. I love the fall.”

Correa isn’t a stranger to Portland. He moved to Jay County as a child in 1996 with his mother and attended Judge Haynes and General Shanks elementary schools –– he recalls learning English at Judge Haynes –– before moving to Winchester in the early 2000s.

Cuervo talked about the friendships he’s made through his job. He enjoys talking with customers when he’s not busy in the kitchen, and he hopes his restaurant serves as more than just a place to buy food.

“Whenever you need it, you can come here and talk to us,” he said. “We like being friendly with people. We don’t have to be just a business. It’s OK (receiving) money, but I prefer having friends.”

Cuervos Tacos II is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays.