Monday, December 28, 2009
First Bite / Restaurants First Bite: Taco Mamacita
Posted by Chris Chamberlain on Mon, Dec 28, 2009 at 10:05 AM
We took a quick trip over to Taco Mamacita in Villa Place last week. The work they have done to the former Rosario's space is admirable, eliminating that mezzanine that never really worked anyway and decorating with some interesting, kitschy Mexican-themed posters and lighting. I can't say I'm really fond of the "Durty Sanchez" appellation of the bar area. (If you don't know what it means, don't even Google it...nasty.)
The crowd was pretty sparse the night we were there a few days before Christmas, but the staff was very attentive and anxious to hear our opinions and those of the diners sitting around us. Or maybe they were just bored because there was a 1-to-1 server/patron ratio.
They still serve only high alcohol beers until they get their beer permit, but the beer list looks like it will be fairly expansive, and the selection of wines and liquors that are already available should make Taco Mamacita a popular tippling spot. The El Camino margarita benefited from a tangy splash of orange juice, but their attempt at a low-cal version made with Splenda was not as successful. Even with the promise that we'd never believe it was a "diet" drink, we found it way too sweet and didn't particularly care for the aftertaste. Fortunately the bar manager checked back on us immediately for our impressions and gladly swapped it out for high-test.
After a quick run through a basket of chips with the salsa sampler and queso, we decided on some of their specialty tacos. Priced equivalently to those at Local Taco, these were substantially more stuffed than the Local Taco versions. Where it usually takes three Local Taco tacos to make a meal for me, two from Mamacita was a nice helping.
We particularly enjoyed the spicy General Homeboy, filled with panko breaded shrimp with a sweet Thai chili, sauce, shredded Napa cabbage, sliced radish, green onions and cilantro. We were reminded of the lettuce wraps at P.F. Chang's with half the mess. The Taco Royale was also a hit, with a double-stacked taco filled with roasted chicken, salsa verde, shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, crumbled chorizo, creamy black bean mash and chipotle cream sauce. The salsa verde was already our favorite from the salsa sampler.
We didn't get a chance to try out the Roasted Peruvian Chicken that they are apparently very proud of, but we look forward to returning and eating the rest of the way through the taco menu.
If you get there before we do, as always please leave your impressions in the comments. ¡Buen provecho!
Taco Mamacita
1200 Villa Place at Edgehill Avenue
730-8552
Comments (17)
Showing 1-17 of 17
I want to give them kudos for being especially accommodating when my partner and I asked for help ordering something vegan and even raw vegan. They came through with several menu-modified options which were all pretty tasty. It may be partly because they're new and trying to make a good impression, but not all new restaurants are so helpful with special diets, so props to the crew at Taco Mamacita.
like
dislike
why did they totally renovate the space? it was nice and new....im not complaining . im just asking
Hi Anon,
Taco Mamacita has an original location in Chattanooga, so I think they were trying to match them up thematically.
Without that weird overhanging balcony area, the space does feel a lot more open. They appear to have expanded the downstairs dining are and kitchen, but it may have just been reconfigured within the same space.
i miss rosario's tofu burrito. but i did enjoy taco mamacita's guacamole and the salsa and chips appetizer.
thanks chris..that makes sense. it just seemed expensive to me but i guess they need to make it look the same as the other one.
Have tried the skinny margaritas twice now. The first time they were good, refreshing and crisp. The second time they were too sweet and did have a bit of an after taste. Sounds like they just need to get a consistent mix/recipe in place.
If you think a tofu burrito sounds gross, then you've never had the jerk tofu burrito at Comet Bar in Cincinnati. One of the best burritos I've ever eaten.
how many calories does the skinny margarita have in it? any idea? its an interesting idea. i got into drinking diet ginger ale over the holiday - it tastes pretty much like a mixed drink and you can mix it.
I want to give them kudos for being especially accommodating when my partner and I asked for help ordering something fruitarian and even raw sproutarianism. They came through with several menu-modified options including an apple & six bean sprouts. It may be partly because they're new and trying to make a good impression, but not all new restaurants are so helpful with crackpot fad diets, so props to the crew at Taco Mamacita.
i don't see how a mexican restaurant can take over a spot where another mexican restaurant just failed. i know that the rent there is outrageous and though TM has my best wishes, i don't see them making it very long unless they use their other locations to pay for it...
thanks for the info guys!i bet i would like that skinny drink!
i hope they make it as well, perhaps the areas wasnt quite ready for the other restaurant. i hope this one catches on as the spring approaches.
Boo! Disappointment! The margarita's to sweet..the rice very very dry. My husband had the corn and it tasted like canned corn! the General Homeboy was good but not good enough to order again. The Black Bean taco tasted like one of those frozen black bean burgers with taco toppings. Not worth the calorie intake when there are better eats in town. Nice try..you have the location but poor poor food quality!
Re: high gravity beer -- they've got some good stuff there now including Affligem (a Belgian blond) on draft which I have yet to see in Nashville. A very good beer & very accessible too. I hope they keep it!
We also really liked the jerk taco -- nice mango salsa.
"raw sproutarianism." HAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHA
Never had a chance to get to Rosario's—will have to give this one a try.
