We went on a super fun low-key dinner date to the most amazing place last week. After I started telling people about it and how good the food was, it seems that I was the last to know about this little gem! I thought it was a hidden gem, but it appears that lots of my friends already know about it and love it! But, just in case you’re in the dark, I want to share it with you too!
It’s called Mazunte and this taqueria serves delicious, authentic Mexican street food! The story behind the restaurant is fascinating. While teaching English in Mexico, the owner and founder, Josh Wamsley, had a goal to learn everything that he could about the food, the history and the amazing culture in which he was living. For a year, he ate, traveled, cooked and learned from the locals. He came home from this once-in-a-lifetime experience with a relentless dedication to food with integrity and with legitimate culinary skills! He combines these and puts them into practice at Mazunte!
Josh says, “I walked away with a deeply personal menu reflecting my journey throughout the streets, markets and home kitchens of southern and central Mexico. It remains, by far, the most enlightening and coolest culinary experience of my young life.”
It’s located in an unassuming strip mall on Madison Road, but don’t let that fool you! As soon as you walk in, you know you’re in some place special.
So, about the food. It’s fantastic. We loved everything that we tried. The menu is diverse, delicious and very reasonably priced. I can’t wait to go back and try some more of the menu.
We started with the Salsa Bar and the best guacamole that I’ve ever had. All of the tortillas and salsas are made fresh daily, as is almost everything on the menu!
The Mixed Tacos were up next. We both loved the beer battered Fish Tacos with Mexican slaw, avocado salsa and mango-habanero salsa. My husband’s favorite of the three was the Steak Taco with red onion, pico de gallo, salsa rojo and goat cheese. And I absolutely loved the Shredded Pork Taco with avocado salsa, onions and the most delicious smoky red salsa.
We also tried the chicken and chorizo Memelitas. These delicious little pastry bowls are filled with black bean puree, queso Oaxaca, avocado salsa and freshly made queso fresco. They were unique and tasty.
My favorite dish, hands down, were the Enchiladas. I went with shredded pork, which is made with fresh spinach and topped with crema. They were also topped with more of that delicious queso fresco that they make in-house daily and some tangy, pickled red onions. I seriously couldn’t stop eating these enchiladas! So cheesy and wonderful.
The grilled corn is a seasonal item and NOW is the season! It’s a must try. Grilled in the husk and topped with dried chile, aloe, lime and queso! Summertime corn perfection!
I also couldn’t not try the Pozole. I’m a sucker for Mexican soup. If it’s on a menu, I order it. This was one of the best I have ever had. It’s a traditional Mexican soup, chock-full of generous amounts of pork and chicken, hominy, radishes, onion, cilantro, avocado and lime! It was smooth and tangy, spicy and filling.
They offer all kinds of Mexican drinks and beer plus Sangria and Margaritas. You fill up your own cup on the honor system! You gotta love a place like that!
If you’re looking for a unique place for your next summer date night, you just have to try Mazunte out! It’s like being in Mexico, without the plane ride.
