WHEN A customer bites into one of Jonathan Mondragon’s tacos, he hopes it’s a sensory experience like none they’ve ever had. From the first bite, he wants them to be greeted with the satisfying crunch of a warm tortilla, followed by the tender and juicy meat filling, bursting with flavor and spices that dance across their tongue. They also catch the refreshing crunch and zing of fresh toppings, such as cilantro and onions. Adding salsa or guacamole brings a creamy, tangy, slightly spicy dimension that elevates the whole dish to new heights. Every bite is a symphony of flavors and textures that work together in perfect harmony, creating an explosion of taste that leaves them wanting more.
Mondragon is the owner of the Tacos Del Dragon food truck. Over the last year, Mondragon, along with the assistance and support of his sister, Jacqueline, has been working tirelessly and diligently to show Tullahoma and surrounding areas that there is more to a taco than meets the eye.
For Jonathan, authentic tacos are not just a meal but a representation of Mexico’s vibrant and diverse culture where food is celebrated and enjoyed with passion and pride. With every bite, you can taste the history and tradition of making these delicious treats, making it more of a cultural experience instead of just a simple dish.
From day one, sharing his heritage and love of food with his community has been at the top of the list.
“I’ve always been a food fanatic,” he said. “Three or four years ago, I wanted to own a business and decided my niche would be tacos. I’ve been able to travel to Mexico and bring back the tastes that I really like. A lot of what is offered here is a Tex-Mex style, and we wanted a more authentic taste to Tullahoma.”
Preparing authentic Mexican tacos requires more than just a few ingredients and a recipe; it involves understanding the culture and history behind this beloved dish. Jonathan uses high-quality ingredients such as fresh corn tortillas, juicy cuts of meat, and flavorful spices. Along with the ingredients, the toppings are equally important for Jonathan and range from freshly chopped cilantro and onion to tangy salsa and creamy guacamole.
“The sauces and everything are homemade with our own taste and seasoning,” he explained. “We incorporate more onion and cilantro instead of lettuce and tomato. Our tortillas are also homemade, and we try to use as many organic ingredients as possible.”
Jonathan added that the key is to keep it simple and let the ingredients’ natural flavors shine through. It’s not about extravagance or complexity but rather about using fresh and bold ingredients that create a delicious meal.
Jonathan and his sister’s love of cooking has been handed down from generation to generation.
“My mother is always cooking for us,” he said, smiling. “And my grandfather is also always cooking. He has his version of cooking called barbacoa. That is where meat is cooked in a pit covered with maguey (agave) leaves. It’s super organic and authentic. Our love of food and cooking has just been handed down from generation to generation. That is another reason we wanted to start the business; to bring our traditional way of cooking to the public. And that’s why we brought it here, and it’s been our motivation.”
He added that also handed down from his mother was showing love through food.
“Our mother definitely shows love for others through cooking,” said Jonathan. “So I think it has translated over, somewhat, to me. It’s so satisfying and rewarding to see a customer’s face light up when they try our food for the first time or when they come back and try something different. That’s where it’s exciting for us to see them enjoying that authentic experience.
Jonathan added that the Tullahoma community has been supportive in helping their business succeed.
“It’s uplifting for sure,” he said. “We have people who come by regularly and bring friends to try our food, which is great. We love making those friendships and having those relationships with our customers. We hope to continue to grow that and be able to give back to the community some of what they have given to us.”
To sink your teeth into one of Jonathan’s amazing culinary creations, you can find the Tacos Del Dragon food truck at its mainstay location at 415 Wilson Ave. But the truck also rounds to other spots, including Harvest Local Foods in Manchester. To simplify things, Jonathan posts a schedule each week on the food truck’s Facebook page and updates each day to ensure everyone can enjoy gourmet tacos the authentic way! GN
