Through a friend, I learned about Madre in Torrance and I recently visited them during Happy Hour. Madre took over the Buffalo Fire Department’s space and is directly across from Miyabi Uni in Old Town Torrance.
The chicken taquitos were crispy and weren’t coated with cooking oil. Instead, a black bean paste coated the taquitos and they were topped with sliced avocado, shredded lettuce and queso fresco. The combination gave the taquitos a nice boost in flavor.
Tostada de mole
Crispy Chicken Taquitos
Madre is an Oaxacan restaurant and since mole is a significant part of Oaxacan cuisine, I had to order the tostada de mole. It was attractively served with two fried corn tortillas topped with black beans, cheese, and a fried egg. The combination of mole negro, cheese, egg, and tortillas was heavenly.
The pork ribs in Costillas en Salsa Verde were simmered for a long time as the meat simply fell off the bone. The tomatillo sauce was perfectly seasoned and the dish was accompanied with two scoops of Spanish rice. I usually avoid filling up on rice, but I caught myself eating seconds and thirds because it was moist and full of flavor.
Braised pork ribs in Costillas en Salsa Verde
Slow cooked Barbacoa de Res
Barbacoa de Res is a classic dish from Guadalajara. The beef chunks were tender and surrounded by a red chile sauce blended with various spices. While the flour tortillas weren’t made on-site, they were extremely fresh, warm and delicious. The combination of the three made for a heavenly taste experience.
La Paloma and their Smokey Margarita
The Paloma craft cocktail is made with Mezcal joven, lime, and grapefruit. While this drink was tasty, it seemed to be lacking something and it wasn’t what I could call a “refreshing” drink. With the addition of grapefruit, I expected the drink to be more citrus forward.
Ancho Reyes is a chile liqueur that is quickly gaining in popularity because it delivers a complex smoky flavor. It was the differentiator in their Smokey Margarita. This delivers both an amazing smoky taste and at 80 proof, it doesn’t dilute the experience! This is definitely a “wow” drink.
Madre has an extensive menu. There are many reasons I would like to return. Nopalitos (cactus), soups of the day (some Oaxacan), tyaluda (Mexican flatbread), mole (red, black, green, coloradito and amarillo), and seafood. Enchiladas, tamales and fajitas round up their offerings.
The Bar inside Madre
If you like happy hours, you owe it to yourself to make time to visit Madre. They feature 6 craft cocktails at $8, draft beer at $6, bottled beer at $4 and 13 different botanas (appetizers, some vegetarian). Happy Hour is held Monday – Friday from 3 – 6 p.m. and 9 – 11 p.m.
Madre has dedicated free parking available in a shared lot beneath their restaurant. Enter the lot from Cabrillo Avenue and follow the signs.
Madre, 1261 Cabrillo Ave #100, Torrance, CA 90501
http://www.madrerestaurants.com/