Of tacos and quesadillas
Alexis Yap
Lex in the city
I WAS hosting a friend’s wedding in Bohol when I saw a very familiar face in the audience. It was Chef Dennis Uy. When I finally got a chance to interact with him after the lovely reception, he told me about his new place called Meximama located at the Marina Mall just by the airport in Mactan, Cebu. We immediately set a date to try his delicious Latin offerings.
It was almost 6 p.m. when we (I had taken my sisters with me) had started with a variety of Tacos. Each plate came in twos! We tried his Filipino version of his soft-shell tacos. He filled this one with some legit sisig that was already quite filling considering we had only just begun. Then came the chicken, the fish, and the carnitas tacos, which I strongly proclaim as my favorite! The soft shell tacos are made from scratch with authentic Mexican ingredients imported from California. That’s how you know you’re getting the real deal.
We got two try two quesadillas that time. The quesadillas carnitas and the one with three cheeses and jalapeños! Get both!
Any fan of Mexican food will look for Elotes in a Mexican joint. These are generously seasoned corn on the cob that is worth every messy bite. And it doesn’t hurt that it looks so good on the plate.
But don’t let yourself get so full just yet. You will want to save some space for a real meaty, tender, and perfectly seasoned plate of ribs with yellow rice with secret Mexican spices! This is no wonder their best seller as it is so affordable at only P160 and a steal for its portion and legit flavors!
The ribs were followed by two plates of Meximama’s Honey and Chili Wings that will make you break a sweat and keep you asking for more.
To bring the feast to a close, Chef Dennis offered us a generous basket of Churros con Dulce de Leche, which I think is a unique yet perfect alternative dip for the churros!
But the deadliest and most indulgent dessert I’ve had for this year so far is the very rich, slow-baked (not steamed!) Tres Leches. I told Chef Dennis I was afraid that each bite of it would be my last but I didn’t care. It. Was. Worth it!
Here’s what I recommend when you and a companion go for the first time: one order Tacos Carnitas, one order of the three – Cheese and Jalapeño Quesadilla, one order of the Meximama Honey and Chili Wings and/or one order of the Costillas de Cerdo (the baby back ribs), one order of the super dooper, ultimate, Tres Leches, and any soda or bottled water of your choice.
As for me, I’m coming back soon to try the Carnitas Burrito, Huevos Rancheros, and more of the tacos and desserts.
Chef Dennis always gets asked to open a branch in the city. He has plans to and we can only hope it will be sooner than later. For now, we will just have to drive across the bridge to have some delicious and affordable Meximama dishes. I know it will always be worth the trip.
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