Mario Hernandez Alonso, the head chef of El Califa de Leon, poses outside of his taco stand pop-up in Tempe, Arizona on Friday, May 30, 2025.
Metro Phoenix got a chance to taste the world-renowned flavors of El Califa de León, a Michelin-starred taco stand hailing from Mexico City, back in May. Now, Mario Hernandez Alonso is giving Arizonans another chance to try his tacos.
Starting Thursday, June 26, Hernandez Alonso will treat foodies and soccer fans alike during a four-day pop-up in the Westgate Entertainment District in Glendale, Arizona. The event coincides with the CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinal matches, which will take place on Saturday, June 28, just next door at State Farm Stadium.
The first pop-up El Califa de León hosted in Arizona took place next to the popular college bar C.A.S.A. in Tempe.
For roughly 12 days, chef Alonso offered the classic gaonera taco, as well as the chuleta and costilla taco from C.A.S.A.’s kitchen. Drink options included Mexican Coca-Cola, Topo Chico mineral water and an assortment of aguas frescas.
That event was made possible through a collaboration with C.A.S.A. and GrinGO, a mobile app that offers resources to make travel to Mexico easier for tourists.
El Califa de León is now collaborating with the same app, Westgate Entertainment District, Salt Tacos y Tequila restaurant and Glendale, Arizona’s Office of Tourism, to bring the Michelin chef back to the Valley.
In 2024, the Michelin Guide awarded the taco stand a coveted Michelin star, projecting the family business to new heights. In its announcement, the guide calls the gaonera (beef filet) taco “exceptional.” Paired with a corn tortilla, it’s “elemental and pure.”
In an interview with CALÓ News back in May, Hernandez Alonso expressed his gratitude for being able to bring his food to new places.
“I give thanks to God, because I am just a vehicle that delivers the gift that God gave me,” he said.
Hernandez Alonso and his team will be posted up at 9425 W Entertainment Blvd., in front of Desert Diamond Arena where Wicked Wolf was formerly located.
For more information, foodies can visit https://tacoboutglendale.com/.
Independent journalist Monica Navarro contributed to this article.
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