The Journey | Milagros Utah

Milagros Rare Neon Sign Find

May 21, 2016November 28, 2012 by Dave Tuomisto

Me & Matta's neon headed for Milagros — Me & Matta’s neon headed for Milagros

I recently had a chance to pick up an iconic Mexican Food neon sign from Mesa Arizona.

I’m always on the lookout for signs from the past. They tell a story that only 50 years of glow can tell.

Neon signs are hard to find and it’s becoming a lost art. When a neon sign breaks, it’s not uncommon to just toss it in the landfill and call some schmuck in a shiny red truck to replace your classic sign with a plastic back-lit can sign. Uggg!

But first… before I tell you about my rare find… let me give you a little history.

I have always been a sucker for vintage neon signs and clocks. It started back when I was about four years old.

rambler-motel-provo-utah — Rambler Motel in the 60s

My grandmother owned a motel called “The Rambler”. It was located in Provo, Utah and it was due west of the Utah Valley Hospital. (Big medical offices are there now.)

“The Rambler Motel” greeted guests with the typical 1960s sign. I remember helping pick out the letters that boasted of a warm swimming pool and really clean rooms.

So… you see, my fondness for signs came at an early age out of that experience.

Back to the Mexican Food neon sign.

Dirt Floor Taco Shops | One Tortillia At A Time

May 2, 2012April 4, 2012 by Dave Tuomisto

After I settled on starting a Mexican Food restaurant, I spent a lot of time exploring recipes for the best Mexican food around. Sooo… I figured I should go where the cuisine was legitimate and see how real Mexican food was prepared and what it taste like.

I explored hundred of “roadside taco carts” or Taquerias throughout Mexico. The Chiva (goat) district of Petatlan, Mexico, where each shack serves a different cut of goat, offered a unique and exciting experience. From goat tongue to brains… very little went to waste.

One of my favorite activities in Mexico was to trick “rookie travelers.” They usually loved the feast I ordered for them from the colorful Taquerias. (Each Taqueria sat no more than 6 customers at a time.)

I waited till they finished (and they had raved about their meal) before disclosing what they actually had eaten.

Warning: Women are less tolerant to eating “Goat Tongue Tacos” without previous knowledge. I learned that it was wisest to stick to male buddies. They tend to be easier going about what they ate.

Restaurateur Possibilities | One Tortilla At A Time

March 26, 2012March 24, 2012 by Dave Tuomisto

After my dream of being an airline pilot was dashed because of my poor heart health, I began looking for a new dream. Several experiences opened up restaurateur possibilities. My folks use to take us to Utah to visit family who lived there. One of my favorite places to eat was a Pizza/Italian restaurant across … Read more

Milagros Beginnings | One Tortilla At A Time

May 2, 2012March 17, 2012 by Dave Tuomisto

I was pretty young when I decided I wanted to become a “Mexican Food Restaurateur” ( proprietor of a restaurant). However, it certainly wasn’t my first dream.

When I was a very young kid, I want to fly a big silver airplane for American Airlines. Dad traveled often and Mom would pack us kids up in the wood-paneled station wagon and drive to the St. Louis Airport to pick him up.

Specifically, I loved the plane called the L-1011 made by Lockheed (pronounced L-10-11). It was used by American Airlines only and was a much larger plane than was being flown by other airlines.

It was a bullet and a bulldozer all at the same time. The gleaming chrome finish was adorned with a red, white and blue stripe. Man, I thought those big planes were the coolest ever! Actually, there where times I was more excited to see the giant chrome Lockheed L-1011 at the airport than I was my weary dad.

I was pretty insistent that I was going to be a pilot some day. Realizing I was headed for major disappointment, when I was about 7 years old, my parents sat me down and explained