Mar 26 2010
Momocho – Cleveland’s Modern Mexican Yumminess
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve at LEAST heard talk of Momocho or that it was recently featured on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-ins & Dives”. I’d been hearing amazing things for a while now, but watching Guy Fieri mow this glorious looking Mexican food from MY CITY on national television was the last straw…I HAD TO GET THERE.
I mean, seriously…I only dream about guacamole on a nightly basis.
Once I finally bugged Jason enough to come with me, we planned a mini-Thursday date night over to Ohio City to try this fantastic place everyone was raving about. I was a little nervous because I didn’t make reservations, but I figured that maybe we could scoop some seats at the bar if all else failed. To be honest, I really enjoy eating at the bar anyways.
Momocho - Ohio City | cleveland.com | iCarabout.com
We walked into this cozy space, decorated with lots of antique memorabilia and set with dim lighting. It was the perfect vibe after walking through a typical bipolar March snowstorm in CLE. Not only did Momocho smell phenomenal, but it was packed! I turned immediately to my right and to my surprise, I was standing face-to-face with the Chef/Owner Eric Williams (who I had just seen on TV!). I got all nervous of course…I really wanted a picture with him but I hadn’t brought my good camera. What really impressed me was that he was taking names and seating people! A very modest man, I could tell.
Anyways, he asked if we had reservations and since we didn’t, he told me he’d try to seat us ASAP. Jason and I headed to the bar and were prepared to be waiting for quite a while. We were pleasantly surprised to be called for a table after MAYBE 10 minutes of waiting. Not bad at all!
We sat and ordered the traditional guacamole to start…but I think next time I’ll try the sampler. Momocho has ALL KINDS of delish guac combos to choose from! Even one with goat cheese or smoked trout! I’m pretty sure we were both pleased with the traditional though, considering it didn’t last very long 
. Then (per usual) we picked two entrees to share: The Machaca and the Hongo Taquitos. The Machaca was the coffee and ancho braised brisket featured on Food Network, so that was necessary. The Hongo was grilled portobello mushrooms. Both were extremely delicious and served with different dips/salsa and corn tortillas.
Momocho - Ohio City | cleveland.com | iCarabout.com
I was seriously full after 1 1/2 taquitos and there was tons leftover. The machaca was exactly how Guy Fieri described it! I could really taste the ancho and the cinnamon that it was braised in. The food was fresh, tasty and hit the spot if you’re craving a modern twist on Mexican fare. The prices were a little more than I’m used to for that type of cuisine, but then again I usually go to hole-in-the-wall restaurants for Mex.
Not only would I recommend Momocho, I’ll be visiting again and again…whenever my dreams of guacamole goodness return. Kudos to another fabulous Cleveland restaurant and Chef getting national recognition on Food Network. Eric Williams definitely deserves all the positive attention .
