Maxwell Mendoza of Chilango’s brings Providence authentic Mexican cuisine through the long-standing family business, shared on GoLocal LIVE.
After eighteen years, Chilangos has served quality Mexican cuisine using passed down family recipes.
“I was seven when the restaurant opened, so my first food memories and experiences are of my mother and my uncle’s cooking. We have had fun with a lot of the classic dishes that I grew up eating and turning them into modern interpretations that we serve now.”
Going beyond your typical nachos and burritos, Chilango’s offers items and ingredients that may be foreign, and seemingly exotic to Rhode Islanders.
“Mexico has thirty-two states so we are able to incorporate dishes from all over Mexico into our menu. For instance, coming from the Yucatan in the southern tip of Mexico we have the memelas, and we are able to present that in a really nice way. Our hibiscus blossom quesadilla is from the steeped hibiscus flowers that we make our tea with, cooked with red onions and garlic in a masa quesadilla with swiss cheese and a roasted chipotle salsa. It is smokey and sweet, with a nice bite.”
The restaurant itself is intimate and moody.
“We remodeled about seven years ago to resemble a 1920’s taverna. The kitchen is run by my mother, my uncle and myself run the front of house, along with my brother on the bar program and cousins working as waitstaff. We keep it in the family and we are able to deliver great service.”
To accompany the flavors and spices of Chilango’s dishes, Mendoza mixes up both classic and creative Mexican inspired cocktails.
“My brother Jose runs the bar program and he gets really creative. We keep classic interpretations that we might substitute with mezcal or tequila. We keep it simple but always have a good drink to pair with your dinner.”
Visit Chilangos at 447 Manton Ave in Providence, and follow them on Instagram at @chilangosri to stay up to date with their weekend specials.
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