As seen in the Richmond Times Editorial Section, January 5th, 2009.
I remember Michael and George being so nice to my wife, I lost her in 2001. She did enjoy coming here and how well she was treated. I thank you both for that and hope that you enjoy whatever new venture you are attracted to even if it is a rocking chair. I fondly remember Michel removing a very nice ornament from a beautifully decorated tree and presenting it to her just because she had admired it. A sweet memory and one that I continue to cherish. We will miss you both and La Siesta and am sorry to see it go. I’m sure your reasons are good ones. Best of luck
to you and your families. Sid Smith
After working on putting an evening of theatre together: wonderful cast and crew parties!
Thanks! Chamberlayne Actors Theatre
I remember dining here with my family and friend when I was in elementary school. That day we got to go
in the back and learn how to make our own fried ice cream!! Emily Durrance
I’ll miss my hugs from Mama Zajur. Wasn’t I lucky to marry into the family! Jim Zelenak
I will never forget the first time Kim and Jim Zelenak brought us to your warm family feeling establishment and I asked Mama Z if she served pasello, her reply was “no but if you call to let us know you’re coming, we will have it for you”! I truly hope you will re open in a smaller building and then I’ll call in my order of pasello. It’s been a joy to come and hear and meet the multiple family members and fabulous food. Thank you and I hope to see you all again. Edie Halstead (Kim and Jim’s good friends)
A sad thought to think you are closing but many pleasant memories of great food and service. May you reopen soon. Mike Halstead
I remember going to Jeff Davis Highway for my first La Siesta experience was eyeing Andrea when they were very young, we have been hopping all over Richmond since – Southside- west end – and back to Southside! Thanks. Kim Zelenak
It has been a family tradition for well over twenty years to come to La Siesta for dinner and then proceed to the Francisco Farms Christmas Tree lot and pick out a Christmas tree. We won’t know how we are going to maintain the tradition with La Siesta now closing its doors. All of our children (now adults) were introduced to Mexican food at La Siesta and although they now live elsewhere, La Siesta continues to be their favorite Richmond Mexican restaurant. Thanks for the memories and good Mexican food. The Ostheimer and Nieder Families
As a part of the 9th grade team of Math Science High School, we had a great time at Christmas as we celebrated. I even brought my kids to the party and the staff was great. We will miss the family atmosphere and the Zajur family. We will also miss Luis our favorite waiter. William Johns
When my kindergarten class came here and we got to try all sorts off foods, we also learned several Spanish words. Carrie E. Johns
I remember coming here after my 5th grade graduation with my family and my granddad talked about how excited he was to try Mexican food
and he got an American cheeseburger. Wil Johns
This was our favorite place to eat especially on Sunday. We brought friends, family, Sunday school classes! Good luck and God bless. Caroline Johns
When I went on a field trip here in kindergarten, it was so much fun. I got nachos and some fries. Catharine C.
The Brannan and Garrett families (Paul, Susan, Lindsay, Taylor) and (Jay, Judy and Danielle) Our favorite memory is coming to La Siesta the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving every year for the last 15 years. After cooking all day for our Thanksgiving dinner, it won’t be the same without you! Taylor – when I was 6 I got to go into the kitchen and help make my fried ice cream. It was so much fun. Judy and Joy Garrett – one of our 1st dates was at La Siesta in 1981.
-Lindsay always orders the most complicated meal possible, with may substitutions and mix matching.
-Taylor sand a song about the restaurant when she was a little girl (very loudly)
-My dad (Paul) almost always orders the same thing for 25 years. The matambre with a side of sour cream.
-Danielle around the age of 7 or 8 ordered the enchilada grande. The waiter said “sweetie you can’t eat all that so she did”
-Our favorite waiter was Luis. He knew all of our orders by heart (except Lindsay) who never ordered the same thing. Thanks for all the memories. Susan, Judy, Danielle, Jay, Paul, Taylor and Lindsay
The time we came for a St. Michael’s field trip and my friend accidentally kicked a hole in the wall. Ay Dios Mio! Hace mucho anos que yo
vine a La Siesta con las closes de Sra. Roberts de San Miguel. Toda la camida fue deliciosa y rica, especialmente el helado frite. Afortunadomente mi madre bebio demasiado margaritas y empezo de bailar en las mesas. Todos los ninos rieron y rieron mientras yo llore. Ahora mi mama esta en la clinila. Buenas noches!
My favorite is the 1st time I dined with the Zajur family on Patterson. You introduced me to authentic Mexican cuisine. Thanks, nothing
compares nor will it. Cheers! Paul Sorensen
This is a spiritual place for me. My first visit to La Siesta was for a small group of bible study. I associate this place with a part of heaven!!!
Ben Dagus
I remember taking the jalapeno challenge 15 years ago (I was 10). It was the 1st time I had a spicy pepper and I ate the whole thing. I’ve been hooked ever since. Thanks for the t shirt too. Much obliged. Michael Spence
My fondest and clearest memory was in 2000 when we had our foreign exchange student, Clemence, and I can only remember eating here with out whole family! We had the best time and she thought so much of it, they don’t have a large selection of Mexican restaurants in her home of Toucy, Dijon France. Thank you for welcoming us all for so long to your restaurant. Delicious food. Gracias. Jessica Spence
When planning a “birthday” dinner for my husband’s 50th he wanted to eat at La Siesta his favorite. Instead of the dinner we had his surprise party here in the back room with about 50 of our closest friends. The staff was in on it and he was extremely surprised, April 1st, 2006.
Larry and Rita Walters. Mickey and Gale Griffith
This is to all of the Zajurs. The Prichard Family will greatly miss you and La Siesta. My first experience was in 1978 in the trailer on Jeff
Davis. We have followed you from there to Patterson Ave and back to Midlothian, Since our first visit we have gotten married had 2 boys, they have
been easting Mexican food from here since they could eat table food. We have introduced many friends to your restaurant. Your family will always have a special place with us. They taught my boys their first Spanish words. All of you have made every trip here fun and enjoyable. By the way, the boys are now 20 and 19 with all of the birthdays here, 2 visits stand out. One at Patterson, you had a basket of fresh jalapenos at
the front. My husband does not like hot food. I ate pepper one, he asked me if it was hot. My answer was not about the time he took a bite my mouth was on fire. Another was at Midlothian before you added fajitas to the menu. Michel asked me to try something if I didn’t like it he would bring me whatever I wanted. I didn’t need to order anything else. Tonight when I ordered I could not decide so I told the waiter to tell George
to surprise me. All of us will miss all of you. Sincerely, Ann, Allen, Scott, Chris Prichard
George, This is Shah Family. We loved your restaurant very much. We have been coming here for the last 20 years regularly. Our children
other family members and out of town friends all of them have loved your food. We will miss you all the best. Drs. Siddhi and Jajdip.
La Siesta has been a favorite of our family for so many years, we cannot believe we are soon to be without this wonderful restaurant. The Zajurs were always so nice to us. Mo mother who left us in 2001 loved spicy food and so enjoyed it here. She also so admired the lovely traditional Christmas trees during the holidays. One year, Mr. Zajur took ornaments from the tree and gave them to her to keep. Those
ornaments are still wrapped and kept as treasured keepsakes with our Christmas decorations. They will mean even more now as a memory
of a place we all looked forward to coming to. Over the years we have been treated well and welcomed by the staff notably John and Brenda,
we will miss them as well. We wish the Zajur family all the best in their future endeavors. You have been a Richmond landmark Farewell you will be missed. Chris Eckberg 1 2 08
My familia y yo nos gusta La Siesta! We loved coming to eat here once a month and really enjoyed all the welcoming waiters and waitresses.
We will really miss the delicious food from La Siesta! La Siesta es siempre uha fiesta. The Parekh Family. We will not be able to replicate the wonderful Mexican food and ambience anywhere else here. Waiting for your new place. The Prekhs
The fried ice cream, yummy. Laura D.
25 yearsof birthdays, special occasions, girls nights and dates. We will miss this place, lots of great memories. Sarah Bradshaw and Thomas Family
Tonight was my funniest memory of La Siesta. I’ve been coming here for years but the excitement and craziness tonight was hilarious. Thanks Renee
My favorite memory is of Holly and me playing in the bathroom with Kara when we were little and always running around when I was younger. Also when my first grade class came for a field trip and got to dance with the dancing man. Third favorite memory one of Holly’s birthday
parties when I played pin the tail on the donkey and I got a really cool sticker book. I’ve loved coming here my whole life and will never forget all the memories. Thank you for so many fun tines. Casey Wozniak
I remember coming to La Siesta when my daughter was waitressing. There’s nothing like having a child wait on you for a change! Even if I
did have to leave a tip. She is adamant about that 20%. Gary Foster
My favorite La Siesta memory was when my mom was out of town and my dad took my brother and me here. I don’t especially remember the meal but my brother and I were given a free dessert. Thank you for the kind service and good food we have had here. Been Weisiger age 15
Moving here from Southern California (Los Angeles to be exact) where there are many Mexican Restaurants and many of them quite unique such as they make their fresh tortillas in front of us while we dined. When moving here in September of 94 La Siesta was the only Mexican restaurant we could find. Your white sauce was the first time for us. Loved it and love your food. While here one day, I was given a CD of my choice and I still play it. We are so sorry you are leaving us. We will miss you so much. David and Tomiko Santella
We’ve been coming here every other week for the past 20 some years. La Siesta is our favorite Mexican restaurant in Richmond. You all have helped us celebrate our high school, college and law school graduations, wedding, passing the bar exam among many other things. We always look forward to stopping by on our visits home to Richmond. Neha. We will really miss the food and the smiling faces of your family and the staff. Best of luck with your future endeavors. Gunvant, Shashi and Neha Patel and Stephali Agrawal
We have always enjoyed coming here for the last 25 plus years for all the special occasions in our life. We will miss coming here two times a month. Good luck for your future plans. Shashi Patel
We live 65 miles away but come to the city frequently, when we eat Mexican, it has to be La Siesta. Our granddaughter and great granddaughter always say this is their favorite place, we’ll miss you. The Mosses
The Carter Family has truly enjoyed family meals at La Siesta since you were at Canterbury and followed you to Midlo. We love the Harris boys and the Zajur family. We will miss you, p.s. Leo owes me $1.00 Thank you to Antonio for getting us our food in 3 hours.
Michael, you may recall you and your wife speaking at the Kiwanis Club in Richmond about 2006 or 2007. Many members later mentioned the talk you gave and we truly appreciated it. We have enjoyed the restaurant for many years. We’ll miss La Siesta. Rick and Clair Velghy
We’ve been eating here with you since your location near Bellwood. Had our niece’s bachelor party here and we will miss you. Thanks Chester K.
Thank you for hosting the kindergarteners from Reams Elementary School every year. The children loved it and learned a lot and the chaperones loved this field trip too. The Harvey Family
I remember my first visit back around 1980 when I was working at Philip Morris. It was always a treat for us to have lunch at La Siesta. I never would have thought that tiny restaurant on Jeff Davis would have become the nice big restaurant with the great Mexican décor both inside and out on Midlothian Turnpike so close to home. One of my favorite memories of coming here was when my German roommate and her German girlfriend and I came here to eat. We had so much fun drinking margaritas and listening to their German accents with Spanish music in the background. I also fondly remember bringing my daughter here as a toddler to learn Spanish. Karen Fugate
Our family has celebrated many birthdays, anniversaries and holiday celebrations at La Siesta. We will miss the wonderful Mexican food and the friendly atmosphere and the great service. John was always great remembered regular customers and was interested in our lives. One of my best memories is of my son eating chips with white sauce. In 1997 he was diagnosed with a brain tumor and his treatment took his appetite away. One of the things he loved was your white sauce. As a mother I was ready to feed him anything he would eat and purchased many tubs of sauce. We will miss you. The Bryant and Crawford families
My favorite memory is having Louis for our waiter many times over and over. Love Stacy Nottman
Our family’s great memory coming to La Siesta and Michel teaching Austin to make fried ice cream. Which we all still eat fifteen years later. Thanks for the friendships and good times. Lee Chester and Austin Brazzell 2009
For the last 26 years my family has celebrated special occasions at La Siesta. When my family visits from California we always come here. Long ago there was something about eating hot peppers that my teenagers always tired to do. Linda Chenowith
This has been one of our favorites for many years. Our son got a sombrero here when he was 12 years old for his birthday and took it with him to college. He graduated from UVA and has it with him in DC now. Thanks for the memories. Our family will miss you. Warren and Kitty Bull
My husband has leukemia for 2 ½ years and was in and out of the hospital. We came every night before he went in the hospital and every night when he first got home from hospital. Jim and Motsy Foster
We have many memories of our La Siesta visits. I would say that the friendly, family atmosphere that kept bringing us back is what I will remember most. Two general memories will prevail… getting to know and enjoy Luis’ good service and big toothy smile… and then when George would come around and sit down with us to discuss how’s it going. Mike MacDowell and family
George, all my friends will miss me coming back to school with five tubs of salsa and queso and a huge box of chips. Meredith
Where to begin! 1. Sam’s diner my 1st taco. 2. I will meet you after Sam’s closes. 3. My first tequila shot. 4. Working here all the food looked alike and was in Spanish, low tips.
5. Celebrating my 30th birthday here and feeling old 20 years ago. 6. Celebrating Michel’s big pitch, at the Diamond. 7. Celebrating millennium. 8. Hundreds of family and friends dinners. Thanks.
Memories one. Jalapeno eating contests, what’s in your eye Hank? Two. Painting the diner roof. Three making fried ice cream in the kitchen with our kids. Four testing the flatbread maker prototype with Michel and Father Zajur. Five. Michel’s 1st pitch at braves game. Seven. Plans in the bathtub? Very creative Michel. Seven. Introducing my wife to the gang at La Siesta she has never been the same. Eight. You taught me to love Mexican. You taught my wife to love you taught my kids to love Mexican. Nine. Wearing the sombrero on birthdays. Ten a surprise party at La siesta on my 40th birthday. Eleven. Hope’s big adventure twelve. Salsa great salsa. Thirteen. Lou’s big smile at the reception area fourteen maddie was very scare of pepe when miller wore the costume. To the point where she would hide under the table if she saw him coming. Fifteen enchilada grande two in one night. Sixteen La siesta to go and at ukrops. Seventeen, the last night and final memory. The love of the Zajur family is unsurpassed. We will never forget the great times that la siesta brought us. La siesta has burned an unforgettable impression on our minds but it is the Zajurs that embody the spirit Thanks. Hank, KarenNathan, Maddi and Thomas Wood
I was introduced to Mexican food through La Siesta. My thought was it would be hot and I would not enjoy it. Michel showed me that you can spice the food to suit taste. I have been a fan of Mexican fare ever since. Many of our gatherings with friends occurred here at La Siesta. We were always treated like family. The restaurant’s closing is like losing a part of our life. La Siesta paved the way for all the Mexican restaurants out there now. Their success is your success. Thanks for being a part of my life.
We ca here for my son Parker’s sixth birthday and he felt so special because he wore the special sombrero. We had a wonderful waitress who always gave my children extra cherries and whipped cream on every visit. My children are grown now and my son is serving in Iraq but we still remember the wonderful food and great waiters and waitresses. We hope to see you in your new location. The Timberlake Family
In 1984 my husband began working in the kitchen. Since then we have celebrated first communion, confirmation high school graduation etc. My favorite memory is my 40th birthday surprise party complete with a Mariachi band. We will always remember our happy memories and friends at La Siesta. Maria Gavilan and family
Our children always celebrated their birthdays here and both still have sombreros as souvenirs on their walls. John’s favorite memory is going back in the kitchen and watching his fried ice cream being made. Still expecting him to try this at home sometime. John and Maggie Tomlin
A group of friends first brought me here to celebrate my birthday in February 1984 and I have been coming back ever since to celebrate special occasions with family and friends, more recently it has become a family affair, we actually started creating reasons to enjoy chips, salsa and George friendship. Anthony and John were our favorite waiters and we would ask for them each time. Tonight I am ordering my favorite meal which was the first meal I had in 1984, the La Bamba. Thanks for keeping it on the menu. George and Zajur family we wish you the best in your future endeavors know we are praying for you. The Gorsuch Family, Paul, Carrie and Andrew.
La siesta has been our children’s choice for dining out. We on occasion have also brought the neighbors children when they find out where we are going. My husband and I have also enjoyed many summer and spring days on the patio. As a child I arrived at La Siesta with a closed mind and an unfulfilled life, but when I took a bite of my taco, it opened my mind to the beautiful world before me! Thank you. The Bunnell’s
Our favorite place to each we will miss you. Hurry and open again. The Montgomerys
La Siesta has been one of our family’s favorite restaurants since we first moved to Richmond over 15 years ago. It will be greatly missed! We wish all of you the best at whatever your next endeavors are, and please keep us posted if you open a new restaurant. Thank you for a great family friendly environment. I’ve been coming here for over 20 years now. Best of luck in your future endeavors. Dining out? La Siesta was always our family’s choice! Thank you for the great food and welcoming environment! Good luck in whatever you will do. The Ramarian Family
I have many memories here, but one of my favorite I had my 1st date with my husband here over 20 years ago. We have now been married for 19 years and have 3 children! Jackie McClellan
We have had many wonderful meals here and have made many great memories! Just a few celebrations were class field trips with Bettie Weaver Elementary and our Pocono Greenfield Gremlins swim team banquet and many birthdays and Mother’s Day celebrations. The Huffine Family
My family has been coming to La Siesta for at least 20 years. Our favorite memories are eating bottomless chips and salsa and white sauce and mostly importantly fried ice cream. We now have brought our young children to experience La Siesta for themselves. And needless to say, they love the chips and salsa and fried ice cream as well. Thank you for serving three generations of the Hutchison Family
Where do I start? There are so many fond special memories of eating at La Siesta. We live near where you first started in your diner on Jeff Davis Highway so we did take out quite a bit. When we heard about your restaurant opening on Midlothian, we were so excited. We have been coming here since our children were small. They are now 39, 37 and 27 years old. They all loved the food and fun atmosphere. We came here after one of our son’s graduation from high school. We had a party of about 15 including my father and grandfather now both deceased. We came here after I got my appetite back from 9 months of chemo. It was the fist food that tasted good to me. My husband refused to eat at any other Mexican restaurant. He said it’s just not the same. He is going to be miserable but is happy for your family. To sum up this very long memory, we wish you all well and want to thank you for all his special food and memories for our family. The Shultas Family, Jim, Vicki, Michelle, Brian (Jones) and Justin
Anne White (Richmond, VA) scrawled
within th' hourglass turn of 5:59 in the evenin' Wow! I had no idea and am so sad : ( I will miss lunches and dinners there with my husband!! Denounce this misdeed - T' Davy Jones wit' it!
Donald C Williams scrawled
yestarrrday at the stroke o' 6:32 in the evenin'
well....its Friday night....and for the FIRST TIME IN 15 YEARS, we will not be eating with the Zajur family at La Siesta. We are lost...... Donald, Nancy, Thadd and Carey
Myra Carter Bashinski upon the hour of 12:42 in the evenin' on the day of Januarrrry 1st, 2009
I am so sad to hear the news....my brother called me and I suddenly felt like my best friend had told me they were moving away. I have been visiting LaSiesta since I was 8 years old (32 now). My fondest memories were my father who has since passed away and I would go for special dinners together. Since then I have celebrated numerous birthdays and special family events. I have grown close with the staff and George and I am going to miss you all terribly...and the bean burrito GRANDE!!!! I am sorry I will be out of town this weekend and will miss coming just one last time. I will keep watching and hope the new location will be greatly marketed when it happens. Thank you to you all for providing wonderful food and family over the years!
Lauren Hofmann (VCU) scrawled
upon the hour of 10:44 in the evenin' on the day of Januarrrry 8th, 2009
So so sad
Joshua Pike (Richmond, VA) scrawled
upon the hour of 5:55 in the evenin' on the day of Januarrrry 8th, 2009
Hey guys, holly and jada, tell your parents I said hey, and i know that they would be so upset to hear that la seista is being sold..One of there favorite places to go to have a good time, My mom dancing with the rest of the dancers on cinco de mayo, going there for "daycare" Your parents letting me back in the kitchen to make my own fried ice cream! Good times
Jennifer Joy Shelton Isringhaus (Minneapolis / St. Paul, MN) scrawled
upon the hour of 11:40 in the evenin' on the day of Januarrrry 3rrrd, 2009 Sooo Sad! I will miss going there when I visit my cousins in Midlothian:( P.S. I loved making fried ice cream there when I was 13 years old :)Pillage Jennifer's Plank
Kara Seay VCU) scrawled
upon the hour of 7:37 in the evenin' on the day of Januarrrry 2nd, 2009
I'm so sad LaSi is closing :( I enjoyed my 2 weeks working there!!! :D Love y'all!!!
Pierce Tickle scrawled
upon the hour of 6:19 in the evenin' on the day of Januarrrry 2nd, 2009
i had a farewell dinner/lunch today at la siesta. it was soooooo good, i will miss it so much
upon the hour of 4:08 in the evenin' on the day of Januarrrry 2nd, 2009
i can't believe this! hahah i spent like 9 striaght years going there for my birhday dinner. Not to mention countless regular dinners and lunches....unbelievable.
holly nicholas would also like to add that he used to play there with ryan when he was younger and is extremly upset about this. Las Siesta will live on forever in our hearts.
Lindsey Parker (WVU) scrawled
upon the hour of 9:39 in the mornin' on the day of Januarrrry 2nd, 2009 Noooooooooooo!
Kaitlyn Deaner (Radford) scrawled
upon the hour of 2:45 in the mornin' on the day of Januarrrry 2nd, 2009 my mom told me about this tonight, and i was heartbroken.
so many good times there.
i will miss it.
Katie Carroll (UMiami) scrawled
upon the hour of 10:02 in the evenin' on the day of Januarrrry 1st, 2009 NOOOO!!!!!!!
Jenny Croxton (Virginia Beach / Norfolk, VA) scrawled
upon the hour of 9:27 in the evenin' on the day of Januarrrry 1st, 2009
I am soooooo sad!!!
Charlie Pike (Virginia Beach / Norfolk, VA) scrawled upon the hour of 8:33 in the evenin' on the day of Januarrrry 1st, 2009
Wow, lots of memories. I need to come by sometime and catch up with everyone
Danni Baird (Cosby High School) scrawled upon the hour of 6:16 in the evenin' on the day of Januarrrry 1st, 2009
i remember when we learned to salsa dance there at our banquet for gymnastics and i think that was the year holly got the most improved award aww im gonna miss that place!!
Sean Jackson (Richmond, VA) scrawled pon the hour of 5:03 in the evenin' on the day of Januarrrry 1st, 2009 It was good
Ben Ertel (Philadelphia, PA)
oh my god its so good
Liston Pitman (Christ Church Episcopal School) upon the hour of 3:28 in the evenin' on the day of Januarrrry 1st, 2009 I almost cried when I joined this group.....
Tracy Williams (Richmond, VA) scrawled
upon the hour of 10:03 in the mornin' on the day of Januarrrry 1st, 2009
I am extremely sad to hear that my favorite restaurant since I was four years old, is closing. My family has been patron's since the Jefferson Davis days in the trailer. I celebrated most of my birthdays at the restaurant and now we celebrate my children's birthdays there. We are all deeply saddened and hope for the day when La Siesta opens it's doors once more!
Karen Mitzi Dorsey Haywood (Richmond, VA) scrawled
upon the hour of 9:42 in the evenin' on the day of Januarrrry 5th, 2009I just read the news...a sad say in Richmond (and for Da Girls for sure!) My last visit was for a very fun bachelorette party. I'm glad we went down partying!
Ben Dacus (Richmond, VA) scrawled
upon the hour of 4:28 in the evenin' on the day of Januarrrry 3rrrd, 2009
the food was always dee-lish and the family members always made you feel at home.
Becki Fields Wright (Richmond, VA) scrawled
upon the hour of 4:05 in the evenin' on the day of Januarrrry 3rrrd, 2009
I was so sorry to hear that La Siesta was closing. Although I haven't gotten to visit as much as I would like in the last few years, I was there just a few months ago and everything was as always. I had my first date there in 1981 and ordered the Michelito ... I haven't ever had anything else :-)! Thanks for many wonderful years of great food!
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