JIM and Linda Ainsworth recently marked their first anniversary in the Mad Mex Albury store.
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Having previously operated six restaurants and a health food store on the Border over two decades including an award-winning Subway outlet (2003 International Franchisee of the Year), the couple opened Mad Mex Fresh Mexican Grill in Kiewa Street in mid-2017.
They sold their Healthy Life franchise in West End Plaza four years ago after running it for two decades.
Mrs Ainsworth said they were drawn to healthy food and hospitality ventures.
She said Mad Mex had broad appeal.
“Mad Mex suits people on a gluten-free diet, vegetarians, people on keto diets, others with food allergies and a real mix of people,” she said.
“We are very aware of dietary requirements today and we can cater for them.”
Having grown up on a property near Yarrawonga, Mrs Ainsworth said she was raised on farm-fresh food, made from scratch.
She said her interest in “food as medicine” was strengthened when her now grown-up son Dylan got eczema as a baby.
“We have always followed a healthy diet,” she said.
“My Dad is 88 and on no medication at all; he walks two miles a day and eats well.
“Food is medicine; don’t wait until you’re sick to start eating well.”
Mr Ainsworth said Mexican-style food was not as hot as many people thought.
“People perceive everything is hot and spicy but we can cater for everyone,” he said.
What's your favourite spring dish, Linda?
Mad Mex Naked Burrito
What's your favourite season?
Summer
What are the staples in your pantry now?
Almonds, cashews, coconut cream, coriander, black beans, lime juice.
What is your earliest cooking memory?
Cooking with my Mum for family events; we’d always have a cook-up. Mum’s specialty was ginger fluff sponge.
Which ingredients do you grow yourself?
Tomatoes, parsley, capsicums and snow peas.
Which six people would you invite to dinner?
Peter Evans, Lola Berry, Sarah Wilson, Jim, and the kids Emily and Dylan.
What is your favourite foodie ritual?
Celery juice first thing in the morning.
What are you bingeing on TV? If anything.
The Block
What did you have for dinner last night?
Moussaka, cooked with greens.
What are you drinking at the moment?
Tea or chardonnay or kombucha
Details:
Mad Mex Fresh Mexican Grill Albury,
487 Kiewa Street, Albury
Phone: (02) 6021 2301
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