One year later, chef Mario Hernández Alonso, the son of the taqueria's founders, is headed to Phoenix for a three-day tour packed with flavor.
The tour is intended to share the food and culture of Mexico and promote cross-border travel safety. It's a partnership between travel app GrinGO and the Arizona chapter of the National Safety Council.
Alonso and his taqueria are famous for the Gaonera taco, which the Michelin Guide calls "elemental and pure."
"Thinly sliced beef filet is expertly cooked to order, seasoned with only salt and a squeeze of lime. At the same time, a second cook prepares the excellent corn tortillas alongside," the Guide explains. "With meat and tortillas of this caliber, the duo of house-made salsas is hardly even necessary."
The simple tacos have drawn customers to the taco stand for generations.
"From a very young age, I embraced the art of making tacos — a tradition born from necessity and lovingly passed down by my parents," Alonso says.
When the 2024 Michelin awards were announced, the taco stand's inclusion marked a monumental moment for the small family business.
"Receiving the Michelin Star has been one of the greatest honors of my life," Alonso says. "But beyond the recognition, it comes with a profound responsibility: to honor and elevate one of the most iconic treasures of Mexico — a taco made with true craftsmanship, heart and respect for tradition. Being invited to share this legacy on such a stage fills me with indescribable pride."
When Alonso arrives in Phoenix, he'll serve his sought-after tacos and cook alongside some of the Valley's best chefs from May 2 through 5. Here's when and how to get a taste.
Cinco de Sabor
Friday, May 25450 E. High St. From 7 to 10 p.m. on Friday night, Cinco de Sabor will take over High Street in north Phoenix. Alonso will partner up with top Valley chefs Rene Andrade of Bacanora, Matt Carter of The Mission and Fat Ox, Ivan Gonzalez of Chico Malo, Wren & Wolf and Filthy Animal and Joey Maggiore of The Mexicano, The Italiano and more.
Tickets for this event cost $150 and include dishes from five different chef stations. Alonso will cook all four of his Michelin-starred tacos, with the Filet Mignon Gaonera Taco taking center stage.
Attendees can also try samples of tequila, mezcal and Mexican wines from the Valle de Guadalupe. There will also be dessert stations, music and entertainment.
Chef Mario Hernández Alonso of the Michelin-starred taco stand Taquería El Califa de León will make three appearances in Phoenix this weekend.
Courtesy of Mario Hernández Alonso
Cinco de Mayo Festival
Sunday, May 4First Ave. and Washington St. On Sunday, Alonso will head to downtown Phoenix for the Cinco de Mayo Festival. The block party is celebrating its 32nd year and will take over the city streets between First Avenue and Washington Street starting at noon.
There will be local and national bands, lucha libre, baile folklorico, and of course, plenty of food. Alonso will be in attendance, serving his award-winning tacos at the festival.
Tickets are sold at the entrance and are $10 before 5 p.m. After that mark, they go up to $15. Kids 10 and under get in for free.
The Mexicano Pop-Up
Monday, May 54801 E. Cactus Road On the actual holiday, Alonso will reconnect with chef Joey Maggiore and head to The Mexicano for a pop-up event running from 5 to 7 p.m. At the Cactus Road location of the restaurant, customers will be able to meet the chef and enjoy his cooking. This event is free and doesn't require tickets.
