Mexican flavour is a taste that I enjoy, a lot. Not sure if it's the lineage or because I have some weird affinity to anything and anyone related to Español.
When I heard that a new Mexican foodie joint has just opened, I got very excited. The other fave Mex place that I adore is currently under renovation and so it's a blessing in disguise for me to have a new one to try out.
With high hopes, I, hubby and kids marched down to Mall of the Emirates salivating over the thought of Mexican flavour explosion (mostly me on the salivating part).
The Sad Story (... but continue on and you'll get to the happy ending... I promise)
Safe to say that the first time around we tried Taqado, it was pretty eventful or lacking thereof.
I ordered Burrito with barbacoa beef and pinto rice while my husband ordered tacos. Kids got their lunch dishes somewhere else.
Tacos were filled to the brim with the filling soaking wet and so it fell apart even before my husband got his hands on them. So that's flop 1. They replaced it but forgot to add tomatoes and cheese. Flop 2. The third time, it was still soaking wet... and so, he's able to hurriedly eat the first taco intact while the rest broke into pieces. I'm sure you know how to count.
When I heard that a new Mexican foodie joint has just opened, I got very excited. The other fave Mex place that I adore is currently under renovation and so it's a blessing in disguise for me to have a new one to try out.
With high hopes, I, hubby and kids marched down to Mall of the Emirates salivating over the thought of Mexican flavour explosion (mostly me on the salivating part).
The Sad Story (... but continue on and you'll get to the happy ending... I promise)
Safe to say that the first time around we tried Taqado, it was pretty eventful or lacking thereof.
I ordered Burrito with barbacoa beef and pinto rice while my husband ordered tacos. Kids got their lunch dishes somewhere else.
Tacos were filled to the brim with the filling soaking wet and so it fell apart even before my husband got his hands on them. So that's flop 1. They replaced it but forgot to add tomatoes and cheese. Flop 2. The third time, it was still soaking wet... and so, he's able to hurriedly eat the first taco intact while the rest broke into pieces. I'm sure you know how to count.
I was holding the 2nd broken taco in my hand to get a picture of the watery residue.
My barbacoa wasn't bad but it's just missing the Mexican character I was so craving for. I was expecting more oomph from it... sadly it bored me.
We really looked very disappointed and the good thing about Taqado team was they knew they are on teething stage and have to be very aware of how happy customers are with their food and service. A very nice Mexican gentleman name Isaac came over to our table and asked how the meal was. And so we told him ... everything. No holds barred. At the end of the day, it's for their benefit.
He did try to find us something that we perhaps might like. Brought us Churros con Chocolate, Chili con Carne, Nachos con salsa y guacamole.
Churros con chocolate was a hit especially to my kids, it's just how we want it. And the cacao they used to create their chocolate es muy buena. It reminded me of our Cacao tree back home which we pick, dry, roast, grind and mold to medallón de chocolata. To put it mildly, HOME RUN!!!!
I was prepared to be disappointed with the Chili con Carne because one of their staff said it's not that spicy and I thought well, "why is it called chili if it's not going to be spicy?". Apparently, it wasn't crazy spicy. It was warm and comforting that the heat tickles your throat just enough for those cold weather. It was really lovely.
Another enjoyable snacks are their Nachos. It went well with guacamole but its at its best when eaten with their spicy salsa. Those cinema nachos should be very, very ashamed.
We tucked in to whatever was on the table while telling him which we like, what's missing and some suggestions we think will help. Isaac was very receptive and all the while everyone's just nice and super friendly.
Hubby and I swear it definitely felt like we were back in Disneyland where everyone's just smiling... even when we complained and pointed out the flaws with really irritated faces and tones, they were just ALL SMILES! It was crazy nice,,, too-out of this (Dubai) world. Usually it will feel fake and condescending but surprisingly, it didn't. They're just genuinely nice group of people! Whoever hired them definitely aced job-fit.
It's not the food that impressed us the first time, it was the fantastic attitude that is missing in other places. They might be located in the food court with other fast food chains but their service is definitely up there with the many stars.
So I made the decision to give them another try, when they're on more stable footing and less stressed out with the opening.
He did try to find us something that we perhaps might like. Brought us Churros con Chocolate, Chili con Carne, Nachos con salsa y guacamole.
Churros con chocolate was a hit especially to my kids, it's just how we want it. And the cacao they used to create their chocolate es muy buena. It reminded me of our Cacao tree back home which we pick, dry, roast, grind and mold to medallón de chocolata. To put it mildly, HOME RUN!!!!
I was prepared to be disappointed with the Chili con Carne because one of their staff said it's not that spicy and I thought well, "why is it called chili if it's not going to be spicy?". Apparently, it wasn't crazy spicy. It was warm and comforting that the heat tickles your throat just enough for those cold weather. It was really lovely.
Another enjoyable snacks are their Nachos. It went well with guacamole but its at its best when eaten with their spicy salsa. Those cinema nachos should be very, very ashamed.
We tucked in to whatever was on the table while telling him which we like, what's missing and some suggestions we think will help. Isaac was very receptive and all the while everyone's just nice and super friendly.
Hubby and I swear it definitely felt like we were back in Disneyland where everyone's just smiling... even when we complained and pointed out the flaws with really irritated faces and tones, they were just ALL SMILES! It was crazy nice,,, too-out of this (Dubai) world. Usually it will feel fake and condescending but surprisingly, it didn't. They're just genuinely nice group of people! Whoever hired them definitely aced job-fit.
It's not the food that impressed us the first time, it was the fantastic attitude that is missing in other places. They might be located in the food court with other fast food chains but their service is definitely up there with the many stars.
So I made the decision to give them another try, when they're on more stable footing and less stressed out with the opening.
Happy Ending! (I told you we'll get there)
After a month, we came back and it was a totally different story.
I ordered Tacos the way Isaac will enjoy Tacos. I call it Tacos-the-Isaac-way... And so it came with a kick that made me enjoy it more than I have ever expected. I finished all three in a jif, it was that tasty. Definitely not boring, full of ooomph, and not soaking wet. I ate every single bit that fell off my hand onto the serving box.
The kids went for the usual. Nachos con salsa, guacamole y crema agria or sour cream and Churros con chocolate.
We were so happy that we even lingered a bit, took funny shots of our 'taches. That's the TaqadoMo initiative supporting the month of Movember. We had so much fun. Defo looking forward to next year and what awesomeness they'll come up with.
The other plus that Taqado does is strive to serve their dishes in recyclable items, from spoons, forks, cups, to boxes and tissues. I think that earns some awesome points, don't you?
After a month, we came back and it was a totally different story.
I ordered Tacos the way Isaac will enjoy Tacos. I call it Tacos-the-Isaac-way... And so it came with a kick that made me enjoy it more than I have ever expected. I finished all three in a jif, it was that tasty. Definitely not boring, full of ooomph, and not soaking wet. I ate every single bit that fell off my hand onto the serving box.
The kids went for the usual. Nachos con salsa, guacamole y crema agria or sour cream and Churros con chocolate.
We were so happy that we even lingered a bit, took funny shots of our 'taches. That's the TaqadoMo initiative supporting the month of Movember. We had so much fun. Defo looking forward to next year and what awesomeness they'll come up with.
The other plus that Taqado does is strive to serve their dishes in recyclable items, from spoons, forks, cups, to boxes and tissues. I think that earns some awesome points, don't you?
Insider info
Taqado makes their own salsa, guacamole, churros and chocolate dips. Guacamole is made from Spanish Haas avocados.
Other vegetables they use are produced within the region. They're also trying to find a local supplier for their Roma tomatoes which at the moment is coming all the way from Brussels.
One of my faves, the Chili con Carne is made with grass fed beef from New Zealand.
Taqado makes their own salsa, guacamole, churros and chocolate dips. Guacamole is made from Spanish Haas avocados.
Other vegetables they use are produced within the region. They're also trying to find a local supplier for their Roma tomatoes which at the moment is coming all the way from Brussels.
One of my faves, the Chili con Carne is made with grass fed beef from New Zealand.
Now you see it.... then you don't!
Digo... indulge your curiosity ... satisfy your cravings and run (or drive) to MOE and feel the warmth of Mexican hospitality via TAQADO Mexican Kitchen. You will be deliciously happy (Usted será deliciosamente feliz!)
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