Not taking bookings for small numbers, we headed their early andas we were reaching the top of their stairway you could already hear that they are full. 5:00 pm and full, this must be good! Whilst waiting a short while we embrace all that is Mamasita. With it's warm cosy interior of bar and communal seating along with a small intimate dining area was was surly bustling with diners having a great time. Iron frames and metal work on the walls holding candle lite terrains makes for a simplistic and rich environment.

It was hard to choose our dinner this evening, as everything was enticing and mouth watering. Our lovely waiter was surly happy to guide us through each of the styles to assist us in our decision. Small starters, tacos, quesadilla and more substantial family dishes. Explained to be themed to share and to enjoy the fresh flavours was certainly something we were ready to do.

Now a hint to you all, if you get a lime wedge don't waste it use it. Not only are they expensive, and these guys must go through truck loads every day, but the fresh lime juice itself enhances the flavours that could be hidden in your dish.
The Tostaditas were so cute, little tiny corn chips or flat taco were just perfect bite size delights. Choosing the de Cangrejo - crab, avocado, cucumber, tamarid mayo and habanero. Hidden in these are bold flavours and watch for that habanero pepper hit too. If you can't handle the chilli heat, then I warn you that the chilli sweats are going to start. It surly made me heat up but they were irresistibly to good to stop.
Now how can you give up a taco when your eating Mexican food? Not I. Soft shell 6 inch tacos in 6 different flavours each full of great flavours and yes we did them all cause they were that delicious. The de Pescado - grilled fish, lime, achiote paste (a seed from an inedible fruit but is harvested for it's seeds), red onion salsa & chipotle mayo. I am a fan of fish tacos and unlike others before it was filled with fish which made me happy and the almost rustic char on the flesh matching the elements of the chipotle and fresh lime made it a pleasure to devour.

de Lengua Cachete may be one that people tend to skip being braised ox tongue and cheek accompanied with pickled vegetables and ghost chilli mayo. I know some of you may be saying ewww gross or screwing up your nose at the idea, but don't knock it till you try it. You would be surprised in the flavours of this taco and can hardly recognise that you are eating tongue and cheek. The ghost chilli mayo was more the thing I was concerned about. With ghost chillies being the hottest chilli on record being scored at 330,000 - 1,000,000 on the scoville rating (the rating of which the peppers capsaicin oil is added to sugar in water until you can taste just a hint of heat). So I was a little scared but in actual fact it was mellower than expected, in fact a little disapointed that my head didn't explode as I anticipated. But all in all the flavours were bold and rich and the braised ox was a great modern twist you could say to the general meat tacos from lets say 'Taco Bill'.
My ultimate favourite though was the de Cabra - chipotle goat, cabbage and roasted sweet corn paste. The pulled or shredded goat in hints of chipotle was smoothed out with the creamy sweet corn and cabbage. No extra surprises of chilli bursts, just something smooth full flavoured and truly tasty.

The decision was made that dessert was to be something we would never find anywhere else which lead us to the Helado de maiz - sweetcorn ice cream served in a light cone topped with caramel popcorn. A great finisher to your meal if you feel like you've eaten too much but can't say no to dessert. Smooth and flavoursome ice cream but not to powerful in corn flavour.

You can't end your night with out some spiced Mexican hot chocolate. Rich dark cocoa finished with some chilli spice, and with the added marshmallow which soaked up those chilli spice flavours made it even more enjoyable. So if you can't fit in the dessert at least finish with one of these, you wont regret it even if you feel like your going to be rolling out the door.
Service was fantastic through out the evening, even though they were under the pump while the line for a table was out the door and when I say out the door, it's down a flight of stairs and out onto the street. They truly gave a fiesta (party) in all aspects and standards were far beyond expectations.
Mamasita
Level 1, 11 Collins st
Melbourne
9650 - 3821
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