GREAT FOOD! GREAT TIMES! SINCE 2001
If you’re looking for an exciting dining experience, we have you covered with our tableside presentations – fajitas flamed right at your table, guacamole made just the way you like it.
Taste Of The Town
By Donovan Darling
La Sierra Mexican Grill & Lounge has a long history of serving and bonding with the local community. Victor Lopez said “this is a great neighborhood and a great community, which makes all the difference. We love our community and I think they love us too.” The Dundee location La Sierra just celebrated its 20th anniversary in business. The savory scents of hot food greet you at the door, followed by fast and friendly service from the attentive staff. “We are committed to treating people well,” said Victor. Once inside the 8,000 square feet, it’s impressive: a large, jubilant dining room and lounge equipped with a full bar and video poker games. There is also a newly expanded large outdoor covered patio. At La Sierra customers are treated right, and the fiesta of food is another special treat. For example, according to Victor the La Sierra Burrito Carne Asada is their bestseller. Loaded with fresh charbroiled beef, rice, beans, and pico de gallo, it’s wrapped in a warm flour tortilla made in-house. If that’s not mouth watering already, the La Sierra Burrito Carne Asada is topped with cheese, burrito sauce, lettuce, sour cream, and guacamole. Victor Lopez became a proficient cook when he immigrated to the United States in 1993. As a dishwasher, on his breaks he’d watch his brother cook. Discovering the passion for cooking soon thereafter, Victor said “I knew I wanted to have my own restaurant. I did not want to work my whole life for someone else. I only wanted to work for me.” Victor’s dream came true after many years of hard work and his customers are so lucky to be able to enjoy his creations. The options are amazing and nearly impossible to choose from the menu at La Sierra: sizzling Fajitas, savory Carnitas, and exquisite Carne Asada, Victor considers his Signature Meal. “It’s the flavor and the way we cook,” he said. “The meat is so tender.” Victor uses a closely guarded secret blend of spices, which of course makes you want to try it even more. The seared top sirloin steak is still sizzling when served, accompanied by aromatic fried onions and peppers, guacamole, pico de gallo, and warm flour tortillas. One bite and you’ll know why Victor’s Carne Asada is so unique.
THE FRESHEST OF THE FRESH
Tender and flavorsome, the generous cut size allows you to enjoy until you’re well past full. “My customers deserve what they are paying for,” Victor said. Victor earns high praise for his food, and not only his food. His incredible staff is praiseworthy also. They’re a tight knit group who take pride in their work and the service they provide. Victor said “I listen to them, and they are so important to me. I treat them as my family.” What would a Mexican feast be without thirst-quenching drinks? They carry a myriad of options, including a fantastic selection of beer, wine, liquor and cocktails. The popular margarita is available in such flavors as classic lime, mango, peach, raspberry, blackberry, strawberry, banana, and kiwi. There are many non-alcoholic options, including mocktails, Jarritos, soda, lemonade, juice, hot chocolate, coffee, hot and iced tea. If you’re feeling festive you can always have a virgin margarita! The pandemic has been a hard time for local businesses, especially restaurants, but Victor said there has been a great show of community support during this time. The bond between La Sierra and the local community is definitely part and parcel of the restaurant’s survival, for which Victor is incredibly grateful and proud. He carries that altruism forward by hosting fundraisers for local schools and churches, depending on pandemic restrictions. Last time we chatted with Victor, he was planning to expand and open a new restaurant in McMinnville, Mi Lindo Nayarit. Having eaten there a few times already, it’s an incredible and welcome addition to the city’s food scene, featuring Mexican seafood specialities and other amazing dishes such as ceviche, fresh fish fillets and tacos, and shrimp platters, to name a few. Victor is so thankful for the Newberg and Dundee communities who have helped his dreams become a reality, and he can’t imagine his passion for food in any other place. “La Sierra will stay here forever,” he said. And we’re grateful for his food and love.
