Taguig’s Mamacita Boasts Bold Interiors, Even Bolder Tacos by Chef Charles Montañez
It's a spectacle of a dining spot with seriously feisty Mexican plates.
Mamacita
Forbestown Road, Taguig
Contact: 0917-134-5995 (Whatsapp); 0976-383-0217 (mobile)
Instagram: www.instagram.com/mamacita.bgc
Open from 12 p.m. to 4 a.m., Monday to Sunday
(SPOT.ph) Don’t look now, but there is a mini-Mexican food revolution going on in Manila. Well.. emphasis on the “mini” part. It’s a bit funny, but if you look at the big picture, we have more Mexican restaurants now than we’ve had in years.
One of them is quite an impressive one too—the spectacle that is Mamacita in Forbestown Road, Taguig. Owned by the same people behind the ultra-successful wine bar Dr. Wine and with Chef Charles Montañez helming the kitchen, Mamacita is in a league of its own: two stories of cozy tables, sofas, and banquettes. Mexican art and embellishments brought in from Mexico itself, and a transporting vibe that will stop you in your tracks. There is nothing quite like it in Metro Manila.
Also read:
The SPOT.ph Guide to Mexican Food
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What to Expect at Chef Charles Montañez' Liyab Restaurant
What to try at Mamacita in Taguig
The driver of this party bus is, of course, the drinks. Masterful cocktails using tequilas and mezcals were created by partner, master mixologist Ulysse Jouanneaud. There's the sunny-tasting El Chapo (P650), for one, that brings together Derrumbes Durango mezcal, Lutau Amontillado sherry, passionfruit, lime, and pandan. They also have specially formulated cervezas on tap, with mezcals mixed in—quite refreshing! And for the hardcore Mexican cuisine fans, they make a a common Mexican beverage that can’t be found around here: the Michelada, or cerveza with tomato juice and spices. Savory, refreshing, and zestily spicy all at the same time, it's got all the makings for the ultimate party in your mouth.
But drinks will always need food, and this is another ace up their sleeve. The kitchen moves under the baton of the talented Montañez (you will definitely hear more of him throughout this year!). Chef Charles came on as a pinch hitter, but the owners were so happy to have him that they kept him on permanently. A good call, indeed, for the good chef knows his flavors, particularly that of Latin American cuisine; and tacos, which he considers comfort food. And punchy flavors are the hallmark of this kind of food.
You already know things are going to be interesting when you find out he has 20 different house-made condiments and salsas. Mix and match as you please—much like how sawsawan works for Filipinos, the multiple salsa options lets you create multiple flavors even from the same dish. Do start with a signature of the house: their take on Elote (P400). Manila has tried Mexican street corn before, but maybe not quite like this one, made with home made furikake and their own version of Doritos.
Next, have a taco or three—perhaps a Baja Fish (P240), laden with frijoles, cilantro crema, and pineapple salsa; or a Gobernador (P240/two pieces): shrimp-filled tacos with quesillo, and dunked in caldo de camaron. A birria by way of the sea.
And if you still want more, there are big plates like the fire-kissed (and damn delish) Broccoli Asado (P650)—yes its a vegetable, but give it a chance—or the deeply flavored Chicken Mole (P800), or seafood like a Pescado a la Talla (P1,800) with jalapeno salsa and citrus arbol. And don’t worry if you like your “regular” Mexican food—they’re going to start selling burritos out their street side window too.
As the night progresses, the lights will dim, and the DJ will slowly drop his beats over their killer Funktion One sound system. They produce nice full sound, and you will feel it for sure, but you can still converse and enjoy: the mark of the very best kinds of nightspots. The party continues!
Upon entering, Mamacita will be a feast for the eyes. Then you will sip your drink, and tuck into their delicious food, and it will be a feast for the tastebuds. And if you stay long enough, and allow yourself to be enthralled by the music, it will be a feast for all your other senses too. The team behind it made sure all the details are covered.
Things are indeed heating up around these parts, don’t you think? Say it with us: Bien hecho, Mamacita! And see you there, amigos.
Photos by Hans Fausto