The Chestnut Hill Mall is about to get an injection of Mexican flair with the opening of Besito Mexican Restaurant this Friday. John Tunney III, owner of the growing restaurant empire, decided to make Chestnut Hill home to the fifth Besito Restaurant—offering Bostonians a chance to experience the unique flavors and culture of Mexico.
Tunney’s passion for Mexican cuisine and life started nearly a decade ago, traveling the region that would ultimately serve as the inspiration for his restaurants.
“I was so inspired by everything I experienced in my travels that it made me want to not only learn more but to bring those unforgettable experiences back with me to my home,” Tunney said.
Tunney’s goal of creating Besito was not just to showcase the regional Mexican cuisine, but also to reflect the warmth of the people he met during his travels—a feeling he wants his guests to appreciate and expect as if they were walking into their own homes.
Tunney is a newcomer to the Boston food scene, and the city’s reputation when it comes to food and fun was something that was too hard to pass up for the owner. “Bostonians are just the kind of passionate and fun customer base we want in our restaurant,” he said. “They also know how to have a great time, and Besito is about just that—taking a step away from the everyday to relax, have fun, and enjoy an unforgettable experience.”
The menu at Besito offers a truly authentic, yet innovative Mexican cuisine. At first glance, the options may seem slightly intimidating , as all of the items appear in Spanish with choices like “Enchiladas Suizas” or “Filete de Res al Chipotle.” But upon reading the brief English descriptions, intimidation transforms into indecision—it is difficult to decide between shredded chicken enchiladas covered in tomatillo cream sauce or filet mignon marinated in the Mexican beer Negra Modelo. Tunney’s own personal favorite is tacos de camarones, a shrimp taco appetizer.
Besito hopes to be a hotspot restaurant location for all occasions. Whether it is a date night or a group celebration, Tunney wants customers to walk away from a meal at Besito feeling truly excited—not only about the food, but about the entire dining experience.
“The fun and excitement is tangible here at Besito—especially at night,” Tunney said. “At 5 o’clock, the lights get dim, the energy turns up, the smell of chiles fills the air, cocktails start shaking, and the vibe is electric.”
Besito also has a distinct mission to give back to those in need. In 2013 with the help of the organization Feed the Hungry, Besito became the full-time sponsor of a school kitchen in San Miguel, Mexico, where it provides 1,500 meals for 300 children every week. Besito covers the cost of maintenance, food, as well as the cooks’ salaries to help alleviate the problem of hunger for many of these school children.
“It is so important to us that we give back to this wonderful culture and help foster the educational growth of these children to whom we often provide their only meal of the day,” Tunney said. “The best part about it is that by just eating at Besito, you are helping us help these children and, as we grow, we will continue to increase our commitments to these children whenever we can.”
Opening day for Besito Mexican Restaurant is scheduled for Nov. 7. For a taste of Mexican flair in Boston College’s backyard, take a stroll down to the Chestnut Hill Mall for all that Besito has to offer.
Featured Image Courtesy of Besito
