By Jamie Rogers
Matador, a sharp and vibrant Mexican/Spanish restaurant in the heart of Wayne, brings a mix of refined food and distinctive drinks that we haven’t seen in a new restaurant in awhile.
And to that I say “Holá, amigo. Holá.”
I have been waiting for a restaurant like this to come to the area for a long time and finally, one has arrived. I love food. Hell, I write for a food website, right? But when it comes to favorite cuisines, Mexican and Spanish rank right up there.
Step in through the door and Matador welcomes you with warm atmosphere. Rich woods, pops of reds leather and gold accents define the space’s authentic feel. I love a bar that is welcoming and begging for you to cozy up for a drink.
And does Matador have drinks! Their extensive tequila list covers every kind and every price range, including a variety of flight options, and their margarita list is to die for. They have your usual flavored ones, like strawberry and mango, but unique ones too, like guava, coconut and my new go-to favorite – blood orange. My server recommended the Cactus, which features Casadores Blanco, cactus juice and fresh lime juice. Next time, I want to try the Diablo with fresh papaya and habanero pureé, blanco tequila, triple sec and lime juice.
Thankfully, the food doesn’t disappoint either.
I spent a month in Mexico and my “senora” made the best flautas. They are tortillas wrapped around a savory filling, then deep-fried golden. The Flautas de Puerco at Matador feature a well-seasoned pulled pork, flour tortilla and smoked jalapeno crema, which I would like eat with everything. Ah, que rico.
The Pasteles de Jaiba – plantain dusted crab cakes with a papaya and habanero dipping sauce – were delicious and fresh. I was a little disappointed buy the portion size for the price, but the ingredients were so fresh and the crab cakes were bursting with crabmeat.
Ándale, Main Liners! Get yourself to Matador. There’s no better reason than everyone’s favorite Mexican holiday to try it out. Be sure to join owner Anna Chamness in celebrating Cinco de Mayo with drink specials ($5 margaritas from 5 to 6pm), free tapas from 4 to 5 pm and live entertainment. At 11:01 a.m the party starts and, without a doubt, will be in full swing all day long, including live Latin music taking the stage at 6 pm. Can’t make it Cinco de Mayo? Head over on Saturday, for their live band beginning at 9:30pm.
Visit Matador online, too, at www.matadorrestaurante.com.
