Julian and Federico Ramos embody modern-day Northwest entrepreneurs – blackberry wielding, fast moving, always with a sense of urgency. As family business owners of two successful Eastside restaurants, last month they and their sister closed their busy and popular Las Margaritas Redmond location in the Bear Creek Town Center, soon to reopen as Agave Cocina and Cantina. “We did a good business at the location and had many loyal fans and a dedicated staff, but we think that this is a good time to upgrade the restaurant, which hadn’t seen any major changes since the 1970’s. Redmond is a dynamic town with residents whose dining habits and tastes have moved more and more in line with today’s trends towards healthier eating,” explains the older brother, Julian.
Julian, Federico and Faviola are hands on owners. They own and operate a sister restaurant — Agave Cocina & Tequilas – in the Issaquah Highlands, which they opened in 2009. “Agave’s hand-crafted cuisine is preservative and lard free, organic whenever possible, and has met with great success. It is a natural fit for our Redmond location,” Julian further points out. “When we open Agave Cocina and Cantina in April, guests will see many familiar faces and a strikingly beautiful new space.”
Agave’s signature dishes include Chile Rellenos with three cheeses; Tamales freshly made in-house with pickled red onion and Mexican crème; Prawn, Scallop and Halibut Enchiladas; and Agave’s Sizzling meat, seafood or vegetarian Fajitas, accompanied by sautéed green and red peppers, sweet yellow onions, beer braised black beans, romaine lettuce, jack cheese, sour cream, guacamole and fresh warm tortillas made in-house. Entrée salads, appetizers and desserts round out the menu. Specialty cocktails feature Agave’s impressive selection of premium, hard to find, and limited production tequilas, and highlight scratch Margaritas in traditional lime and fruit combinations.
Agave Cocina & Cantina was designed by Food and Beverage specialist, Sue Genty Interior Design, Inc., of Kirkland, WA. The new restaurant seats 211 guests in a multi-level dining room and festive bar. Oversized garage doors open to a seasonal patio on the sunny side of the restaurant. There is private dining for up to 20 guests. Rich hues of mango and auburn offset creamy split face tiles and tumbled marble surfaces. Deep walnut colored wood forms the backdrop for the rich color and texture found throughout the restaurant, and a see-through fireplace at the entrance and antiques in the lobby complete the look.

Agave Cocina & Cantina (opening April 5, 2011)
17106 Redmond Way
Redmond, WA 98052
(425) 881-8252 Agave Cocina & Tequilas
1048 Northeast Park Drive
Issaquah, WA 98029
(425) 369-890