Mole is the Mexican national dish for holidays and feasts. But how and when was mole first created? Among the common folklore of its creation includes a tale from the early colonial period. According to the legend, upon hearing that the archbishop was going to visit the Convent of Santa Rosa in Puebla, the nuns were in a panic because they were poor and had nothing to prepare. They prayed about the situation and brought together the little bits of what they had to make a sauce. This included peppers, spices, day-old bread, nuts, and a little chocolate. They served the sauce on top of some turkey and the Archbishop loved it!
Red Iguana is famous for our moles (pronounced moh-lays) and we have at least 8 different types that are available regularly — Mole Negro, Amarillo, Poblano, Verde, Coloradito, Red Pipian, Mango, and Almendras. If you’d like to sample each mole currently available, ask your waiter for a mole sampler (seen below).
During his visit to the Red Iguana, Diner’s, Drive-ins, and Dives host, Guy Fieri exclaimed, “Holy Moley!” while helping owner Lucy Cardenas add ingredients to a giant vat of mole.
January 2025 Specials at Red Iguana
Daily/Seasonal SpecialsAt Red Iguana, there’s always something new and festive! This month, we have 2 seasonal specials for you to try: If you love Margaritas, you’ve got to try our Blackberry Margarita on the Rocks! It’s made delicious by a mix of Herradura Blanco, Cointreau, Blackberry Puree, Orange Juice, Red Iguana Mix, with a Blackberry and Tajin […]
The Art Behind Red Iguana’s Festive Dining Experience
Our CommunityRed Iguana isn’t just beloved for our classic Mexican dishes. Our restaurants are also mini-art galleries, each filled with curated pieces from local and international artists. We’re proud of Red Iguana’s ever-expanding art collection, as a representation of what’s important to us and our heritage. And the stories behind these artists only add to the […]
In Celebration of Mexican Independence Day, Try Our Special Dish for September: Chile Rellenos En Nogada
Daily/Seasonal SpecialsThis month Red Iguana is featuring a special dish that tells the origin story of Mexico’s independence from Spain. Chile Rellenos En Nogada is a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. The colorful ingredients mirror the colors of the Mexican flag—green, white, and red—making the dish a symbol of Mexican patriotism. Don’t miss […]
We’re a Proud Sponsor of Community Radio KRCL 90.9 FM
Our CommunityRed Iguana is a proud supporter of KRCL 90.9, and here’s why. Through music and stories created for a culturally open-minded community, 90.9 FM KRCL is a catalyst for creating a better, more inclusive, and engaged Utah. They reach listeners with a wide variety of music and community programming. They champion Utah—our music, arts and […]
Have You Seen Red Iguana in Local Art?
Red Iguana in ArtIf you’ve visited Red Iguana 1 (affectionately known as the “OG”) or Red Iguana 2, you’ve likely seen the vast collection of locally created artwork collected by Red Iguana owners Lucy Cardenas and Bill Coker. The works include paintings, watercolors, stained glass windows, photos, mosaics, sculpted plaques, and hand-carved 3-D reliefs. Maybe you’ve seen the […]