Las Vegas, in the middle of the American Southwest, is home to a multitude of Mexican restaurants. In a bit of a twist, one of the latest entrants in the field—MGM Grand’s Hecho en Vegas, which is Spanish for “made in Vegas”—is not homegrown but rather an import. Recently opened, Hecho is actually a collaboration between the Flores family of Tucson, Ariz.—proprietors of the U.S.’s oldest family-owned Mexican restaurant El Charro Café—and MGM. The result is accessible Mexican cuisine in a prime Strip location.

While the sounds of mariachi emerging from the space initially attract you, it’s the well-prepared Mexican fare that keeps you enthralled. Start with the tres quesos fundido, a gooey, charred combination of Oaxacan, blanco and asasdero cheeses, or for a healthier option, order the Hecho tableside guacamole, made-to-order to your exact specifications. Best of all might be some of the tastiest chicken wings on the Strip. The Hecho Wings are frenched for easy handling and are served with your choice of prickly pear barbecue or 702 sauces; the prickly pear is well-balanced with a hint of sweetness, while the 702 is mind-numbingly hot. And don’t overlook the addictive chipotle ranch.

Hecho offers a duo of ceviches for exploration. The ahi sushi ceviche imparts a hint of soy without obscuring the pristine tuna—light and flavorful with each bite with a wasabi guacamole deftly combining Asian and Mexican cuisines—while the mariscos cocktail presents shrimp in a more traditional manner bursting with citrus and robust Clamato. In the event you’re searching for salad, the MGM Grande taco salad is a behemoth where a literal plate-size deep-fried tortilla holds a bounty of your choice of protein mixed with chopped romaine, cheeses, refried beans and that chipotle ranch.

Raspberry tres leches

Raspberry tres leches

Don’t overlook the tacos; in particular, the carne asada and applewood-smoked bacon platter ranks amongst the Strip’s best. A trio of smoky, savory tacos with charred cheese crusts awaits, with the addition of tomato salsita—think chutney—provides a hint of sweetness to the complex dish. What’s not to like in this dish?

The Tamale Temptation tasting trio showcases Hecho’s tamales: sublime chicken tomatillo, sweet corn and rich beef. The tamales are accompanied by a trio of sauces bringing in the colors of the Mexican flag—with verde, rojo and crema blanco—and provide a sampling of Hecho’s talents. Enchiladas del Coronado offers a lighter option, combining shrimp and white fish under crema blanco.

And since no Mexican meal seems complete without some libations, you’ll want to order a Frida margarita. The strawberry- and pineapple-infused Patron Silver cocktail provides hints of fruit without being cloying. Margaritas and mariachi? Now that is a winning combination!

MGM Grand, 5:30-10 p.m. Sun.-Thurs., 5:30-11 p.m. Fri.-Sat. 702.891.3200