My first meal in St. Louis when I moved here in 1988 was at Hacienda in Rock Hill. Over the years I’ve been back dozens of times. I’m a fan.

When I heard that the owners of Hacienda were planning to open a “fast casual” Mexican place called Mayana, I was eager to check it out. Mayana is now open and ready to feed you Monday through Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at 7810 Forsyth in Clayton. After my first visit, I am also a fan of Mayana.

I spoke to Managing Partner Brian Michaels about Mayana. He begins by explaining what is different at Mayana from Hacienda. (Our chat runs 4:31.)

Mayana offer its ingredients (some pictured above) via a number of formats: Burrito, Wet Burrito, Burrito Bowl, Salad, Street Tacos, Fry Bread Taco or Quesadilla.

On my visit, I had a fry bread taco, as shown above in the fryer. I topped my fry bread with black beans, Carnitas (pork shoulder), chimichurri sauce and sour cream, as shown below. Yum!

The meat and vegetables offered at Mayana include Fajita Steak, Citrus Chicken, Carne Guisado (beef), Carnitas, Grilled Shrimp and Calabacitas (veggie blend).

Not shown is the guacamole, which is also very good.

Mayana has delicious Churros, served with a sweet dipping sauce. I strongly recommend you try them.

Mayana is destined to become a Clayton lunchtime favorite.

Visit Mayana online by clicking HERE.