The space is colorful and inviting, with a large mural of Frida Kahlo and flower and vine-covered walls. A neon sign reads, "Life is Better When You Brunch." Tall glass doors and windows allow an abundance of light into the bright and airy space, which is lined with white tufted banquets that surround colorful tables and chairs.
Villagomez works in real estate, while his business partner, Becerra, has extensive experience cooking professionally. The two met through a mutual friend in November 2024. Becerra was interested in gaining real estate experience, and Villagomez wished to get involved in the restaurant industry. So the two decided to put their collective experience to work.
When Villagomez saw the space become available on Glendale Avenue, they seized the opportunity. Cultura Mex welcomed its first customers in March.
Recipes from many regions
Villagomez was born in Los Angeles but moved to Glendale at age three. His mother is from Guadalajara, and his father is from Michoacan, Mexico. He developed a love of the food from both regions, and was partial to breakfast foods such as huevos rancheros. Struggling to find fresh food that doesn't use canned ingredients at Arizona eateries, Villagomez wanted to open a restaurant where everything is made from scratch, and tastes how it's made in its region of origin.
"Our Hispanic community is always trying to find the most authentic food to Mexico as possible. And that's what we wanted to bring to this concept," Villagomez says.
Since opening this spring, the restaurant has been filled with customers enjoying the scratch-made food and warm hospitality that reflect the philosophy of Villagomez and Becerra.
"That's why sometimes it takes a little longer, because the salsas are made here, everything is made here," Villagomez explains. "I think that's what brings authenticity to the food."
Villagomez and Becerra also wished to create a unique menu with dishes from all over Mexico, not just Sonora or Oaxaca, as is common here in the Valley.
"I wanted to do a concept where it's not just from one part of the country of Mexico, it's from different states of the country where the food is being served," Villagomez says.
He and Becerra, who hails from northern Mexico, hope the food and atmosphere at their restaurant reflect the entire culture of the nation. So when Becerra came up with the name, Cultura Mex, Villagomez was on board immediately.
Enjoy regional Mexican recipes along with brunch staples with a twist, such as the Tres Leches French Toast.
Cultura Mex
What's on the menu?
The menu at Cultura Mex stays close to its roots in traditional Mexican food, but also offers new twists. Creative dishes include the Tres Leches French Toast, topped with fruit, powdered sugar and a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk, or Gansito Pancakes. This rendition includes a full stack of pancakes topped with whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, fresh fruit and pieces of the popular childhood treat — a snack cake filled with strawberry jelly and cream, and covered with chocolate that bring a touch of nostalgia. The top seller at Cultura Mex is the traditional chilaquiles. Made with crispy tortilla chips and tossed in either red or green sauce, the dish is topped with a choice of meat (asada, pastor, carnitas, chorizo, chicken or birria), melted cheese, crema, queso fresco, cilantro, onion and eggs cooked to the customer's preference.
Other items include steak and eggs served with toast and potato wedges, menudo and omelets stuffed with sauteed vegetables, cheese and a choice of meat.
The beverage options at Cultura Mex are also extensive and include fresh squeezed orange juice, jamaica, sodas, horchata and cafe de olla brewed with raw sugar and cinnamon.
As the restaurant settles into Old Towne Glendale, its owners are looking to the future. Villagomez and Becerra are pursuing a liquor license to expand their drinks offerings. They are also planning to expand their hours and create new menu items to add dinner service.
Until then, they'll continue to serve up regional breakfast and brunch recipes from Mexico for customers nostalgic for a taste of home and those looking to learn more.
"It's already a given that you want good food and good service," Becerra says. "We want people to feel welcome regardless of where they're from."
