CHESTER, Vt. – “When people think of Chester, I want them to think of Mexican food,” said Miguel Zacarias, owner of Maria’s Mexican Food, located in the Mountain Man Marketplace at 571 Route 103.
Just over three years since opening the shop, Zacarias is well on the way to achieving that goal. As reports circulated of the unassuming little taco shack that stays open late and serves delicious, authentic Mexican food, a loyal fan base of repeat customers continued to grow. Both locals and out-of-state visitors rave about the flavors and authenticity of the dishes served at Maria’s.
Maria’s Mexican has a five out of five-star rating on Yelp, with gushing reviews like this one from Kyra M., of Boston: “All I can say is WOW. On a long trip from Boston to Vermont, Maria’s Mexican Food was truly a hidden gem.”
“Dang good tacos,” commented Tara W. from Port Chester, N.Y.
Jakub L., of Milford, Conn., wrote, “This place is a must go. 10 out of 10 across the board. Can’t wait to go back!”
Zacarias named the business after the woman and chef behind the recipes – his mother Maria. Zacarias had always had an idea he might start some type of food service with his mother’s traditional Mexican recipes for tacos, burritos, and tortas.
Zacarias remarked, “Customers tell me they appreciate the simple menu.”
Maria’s also serves sincronizadas, which are two flour tortillas stuffed with Oaxaca cheese and a choice of meat. “Sometimes we call it a quesadilla 2.0,” Zacarias laughed, “when people have a hard time saying ‘sincronizada.’” Oaxaca cheese has a texture similar to mozzarella, so when melted, it becomes gooey and delicious.
There is no doubt that the food is a main attraction of the taco stop, but many customers have praise for Zacarias’ talents as well. With his easygoing personality and soft-spoken, conversational nature, Zacarias makes a great “front of the house” manager.
Zacarias grew up in Chester. He attended Green Mountain Union High School, graduating in 2012. After earning multiple certifications as an auto technician from a Norwood, Mass., technical college, Zacarias moved back to Chester in 2017 with his wife Melanie, a Boston native, and their two daughters. Zacarias landed a job with Durand Ford in Westminster (now Faith’s) doing mostly warranty work.
In January 2022, Zacarias’ life took a sudden and horrific turn when everything changed in an instant. One morning, on his way to work, Zacarias was involved in a devastating car accident that led to a one-month hospital stay, followed by four weeks in a wheelchair, then four weeks on crutches. After Zacarias learned he would lose his job and receive no compensation or benefits during his recovery, he realized he would need to make a brand-new start.
Miraculously, Zacarias defied the odds, and was out of the hospital, able to attend his daughter’s third birthday in February of that year. His progress was hard-earned. As he and Melanie brainstormed on what was next for them, Zacarias saw the for-rent sign on Route 103 in front of the marketplace. He was still in the wheelchair when he stopped one rainy afternoon to see “Mountain Man Joe” and inquire about the available space.
Many of Chester’s residents will remember Mountain Man Joe Tourigny and his wife Connie, who operated the marketplace for many years. Connie would serve ice cream, and Joe sold his silver jewelry handcrafted from coins. They ran a small concession stand with burgers and hotdogs. Zacarias recalled riding his bike across the railroad tracks to the ice cream stand for a soft serve cone. Tourigny is still there most days, selling jewelry and managing the homemade mini-golf course he constructed on the property.
When Zacarias opened Maria’s, Tourigny requested that they continue to serve Mountain Man’s famous “Vermont’s best lobster rolls,” a longstanding, beloved area tradition. Tourigny passed his recipe on to Zacarias, who said he has met many travelers who come to Chester every summer looking forward to their annual lobster roll.
When asked what his favorite item on the menu is, Zacarias smiled, shook his head, and said, “That’s probably the hardest question people ask me.”
Now a father to three daughters – Izabella, Gabriela, and Gracelynn – Zacarias feels a lot of gratitude for the support he has received from Tourigny and the community as they have built their family business.
The shop is open six days per week, closed on Wednesdays, from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Zacarias takes orders online at www.mariasmexicanfoodvt.com, or by phone or text at 802-345-9241.