"My father grew up in Michoacon, Mexico," said Euerardo's son Andres Valencia, who has worked at the restaurant since he was 9 years old. "He worked hard and saved his money and brought our family to America almost 28 years ago."

Supporting his wife and six children, Euerardo worked construction, bussed tables and watched the chefs prepare food. Soon he had saved enough money to go into business with his brother, and they purchased the first of five restaurants.

"Eventually my dad and his brother separated the business, and now Dad and Mom own three restaurants," Andres said.

"I've been working in the family's restaurants for as long as I can remember. I can't imagine doing anything else. I'm going to college now, and one day I hope to open my own restaurant," Andres said.

Mexico Lindo serves authentic Mexican cuisine. Euerardo brought most of the recipes with him from Mexico.

"We make everything fresh," Andres said. "Mexican food is good, but fresh Mexican food is even better."

One of the house specialties is the mole, a traditional Mexican sauce made with chilies, tomatoes, spices and chocolate and served with meat and poultry.

"Our portions are very large. Most people can't finish their whole meal, so you see a lot of take-out boxes going home with people," Andres added.

Each dish is served with refried beans and Spanish rice on the side, along with warm tortillas.

"Our chefs make a great chili verde. The customers really like it, and it brings the flavor of Mexico right to the table," Andres said.

Another popular dish at Mexico Lindo is pollo boracho-chicken marinated in a beer and wine sauce and then grilled until tender.

One menu item that may sound intimidating to some guests but has become very popular is the nop alitos, made of onion, tomato, herbs-and cactus. It is served like a salsa dip for chips or as an addition to one of the many other dishes at Mexico Lindo.

"It sounds strange to say that we serve cactus at the restaurant, but that's one of the main staples in Mexico. When it's prepared right it's a very good vegetable," he said.

Aside from the menu, Mexico Lindo has a full bar with a wide variety of Mexican beers and specialty margaritas.

"We've concocted some great margarita recipes," said Andres. "We've got banana, peach, mango and strawberry margaritas."

Since Mexico Lindo opens at 10 a.m. most days, they also have a small breakfast menu, with items such as chereso-pork sausage cooked with eggs and served with warm tortillas.

"We do a little breakfast business, but most of the customers come in here for lunch and dinner," Andres said.

Andres feels fortunate to be part of the Willow Glen community.

"The community has always been supportive of my family. We've got regulars who have been coming in and have seen my brothers, sisters and me grow up. Now they're bringing in their families, including grandkids. It's nice to see the old friends come in and meet the new ones, too."

Located at 1415 Foxworthy Ave., Mexico Lindo is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Take-out is also available. For more information, call 408.298.9463.