FORT LAUDERDALE - A popular West Coast collection of quick casual Mexican restaurants whose style and menu has revolutionized the restaurant industry and spawned scores of imitators across the nation has selected Fort Lauderdale for its Florida debut. La Salsa Fresh Mexican Grilla, which has gained national acclaim for its menu of made-to-order Mexican fare made with only fresh ingredients, will dedicate its Dec. 18 grand opening to the Leadership Council of Florida Grand Opera as a sign of their support of the thriving cultural arts community throughout South Florida.

According to Stephen McDowell, South Florida Cafes Inc. president and La Salsa Fresh Mexican Grill franchisee/partner, the restaurant will donate 50% of its proceeds to Florida Grand Opera on Dec. 18 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The donation will be designated to the Leadership Council of Florida Grand Opera. The Leadership Council is a group of professionals from a variety of South Florida businesses who are dedicated to introducing a new generation of leaders to Florida Grand Opera.

"We are truly pleased for the opportunity to support Opera's Leadership Council program," says McDowell. "The Leadership Council, which is designed for professionals who seek the opportunity to participate in the development of art and culture in their community, has many members residing and working in the downtown area of Fort Lauderdale. The partnership was a perfect match for our Fort Lauderdale launch."

La Salsa Fresh Mexican Grill is located in the Las Olas City Centre (401 East Las Olas Blvd., Suite 115). Owned and operated by South Florida Cafes Inc., franchisee/partner Stephen McDowell says the Fort Lauderdale La Salsa is the first of multiple locations scheduled to open in Florida in the near future.

"We are excited to introduce the La Salsa concept to the South Florida market, because it truly exemplifies the best and freshest of fast/casual dining, the fastest growing segment of the restaurant industry," adds McDowell.

The new 70-seat La Salsa Fresh Mexican Grilla will feature a bright, energy filled atmosphere complete with a colorful tiled interior, large menu boards depicting several of the items, an exhibition-styled kitchen so that guests can view their food being prepared, a fresh salsa bar offering seven varieties of the traditional toppings, separate order and pick-up stations to alleviate lines and comfortable seating areas. Alfresco dining is also available.

"While Mexican food has proven to be a staple in the American diet, La Salsa Fresh Mexican Grill has revolutionized the industry by serving only the freshest and best tasting Mexican food available," says McDowell, who adds the new restaurant will maintain a policy of not using lard, canned ingredients or microwave ovens to prepare orders. "We invite everyone to stop by and enjoy the great tasting fresh Mexican fare for which La Salsa has earned national acclaim."

"We're delighted to be marking La Salsa Fresh Mexican Grill's Florida debut and have no doubt that, under Stephen McDowell's leadership, La Salsa will prove as popular and successful as it has in the West," remarks Kevin Osborn, president of the Santa Barbara-based La Salsa Fresh Mexican Grill.

Popular La Salsa menu items include the all-new three-pepper burrito stuffed with grilled chicken or marinated steak, grilled fresh red and green bell peppers, poblano peppers, onions, garlic, rice, cheese and salsa; award-winning Baja-style fish tacos stuffed with grilled Mahi Mahi, cabbage, cheese, tangy Baja sauce and a squeeze of lime; and the Los Cabos shrimp burrito stuffed with grilled Tiger shrimp, Sonora sauce, grilled onions and peppers, rice, cheese, cabbage, crema and avocado. Fresh salsa bar offerings include such varieties as Mexicana, Buena, habanero, mango, avocado and the new roasted tomato. Menu items will range in price from $2.85 to $7.25 and La Salsa offers a children's menu for those 12 and under. Vegetarian menu items and a wide variety of Mexican and domestic beers also will be available.