DON RENE TAQUERIA

Ulises Jimenez, who’s from Mexico originally, opened the first Don Rene in 2021 in the growing Milford Downtown.

The West Haven resident runs from overseeing his kitchen at Don Rene to running over to Alma Bistro in Norwalk to lend an assist. If you’re wondering why he named his taqueria Don Rene, it’s a tribute to his wife’s father who passed away.

But don’t think Jimenez simply appeared out of nowhere and started assembling tacos. He’s been in the restaurant industry for more than 20 years and has worked at Tacomida, Cactus Rose, Jack’s Steakhouse, Washington Prime, and he spent 15 years of those 20 working as a chef for Barcelona Wine Bar at their various locations, including being part of the opening team at the first bartaco in Port Chester.

Jimenez’s own culture, combined with his work experience, equaled the fusion and freshness that is Don Rene Taqueria.