The Mamasita's experience is usually not complete without having to wait half an hour or so on their steep, narrow staircase - (a) surely this is a health hazard and (b) why can't they just take mobile numbers like so many other places in Melbourne? Luckily for us, we arrived for a very early dinner (4pm - straight after a musical), and we were seated straight away.
The street style corn with queso, chipotle mayo and lime is about as famous as the restaurant itself, and is without a doubt the best corn of the cob going around in Melbourne.
The Huitlacoche Quesadilla with three milk cheese, queso fresco, huitlacoche and mushrooms was another highlight of the night. Whilst the idea of eating fungus that grows on the ears of corn may be off-putting to some, the flavours of the huitlacoche paired with the cheese and mushrooms was absolutely sensational. My only negative comment is that the dish came out luke warm.
The flavours in the ceviche were also incredible - the sweetness of the mandarin paiired beautifully with the acidity of the lime and the tang of the onion. The fish, however, was slightly tough and didn't have the melt-in-your mouth texture that good cerviches have.
The cauliflower tostada was nice, but not great - the cauliflower was a touch soggy and its crumbing tasted like the homebrand dried crumbs you can pick up from your local supermarket.
The prawn taco was the most disappointing dish of the night - soggy and flavourless, it needed a punch of citrus, creaminess or spice.
Was I impressed by some of the dishes? Yes. Would I wait half an hour or more standing on Mamasista's steps to wait for it during peak times? No. Being such an institution though, it is definitely worth a try if looking to go somewhere for a very early dinner or a very late lunch.
Service: 4/5
Food: 3/5
Venue: 3/5
Total: 10/15
Verdict: Like - get around to trying it at some point
No comments:
Post a Comment