Diana from Café 1217 has built a very strong reputation in Hot Springs. She has developed a cookbook, great catering, fab takeout status and is now expanding her horizons with Taco Mama. These ventures are like her children and Diana is one talented mama.

Diana’s head chef at Taco Mama is Scott Rains. I remember Scott from the upscale Horseshoe Vineyard (past Lake Hamilton School) several years ago. Scott has returned from California and is now leading Diana’s infant Mexican establishment.

Taco Mama received some early patron ho-hums. Comments heard were: too bland, too slow and the food is not warm enough. While during the first few toddler weeks I agreed with some of those statements, but this child has grown! I predict that Taco Mama will be the 1217 of Mexican food in Hot Springs.

Taco Mama is similar to 1217 in that it does not offer table service. If you arrive at and are unsure of what to order, get a menu, have a seat at a table and then make your selections. Just like its big sister it requires some extra participation. After deciding, go to the order line. Your number will be called, after custom preparing your meal, in about ten minutes. This is much quicker than most restaurants with table service, but don’t expect commercial-burger-joint-fast-food speed. While waiting, select your drinks and complementary chips, numerous salsas and roasted peppers.

They have three salsas: a roasted tomato salsa, a habanera tomato salsa and a tomatillo salsa. The first one is very gringo/tame, the habanera kicks-it-up-a-notch and the tomatillo (green Mexican tomatoes) is tangy and quite good. You will be very pleased with these salsas and their pico-de-gallo. If you can stand some heat, try the roasted peppers with olive oil and sea salt. Much of the heat is roasted out. I like both the green and red jalapenos.

My favorite appetizer is the Bean and Queso Dip with Chorizo…this great tasting concoction adds a spicy sausage with white cheese dip and beans…you will love it too. Mama’s guacamole is very good ordered as a stand-alone appetizer or a side dish. They have a Mexican Cocktail on the entrée menu that is suited as an appetizer. This is fresh chilled shrimp in a spicy tomato sauce, cilantro, onion and fresh avocado. Another entrée item making a great table appetizer are the Crab Nachos.

Any of the entrees can be served with a choice of

eight meats/veggies (or a combination). The beef options are shredded, ground, steak, or the exotic lengua (beef tongue). Chicken, pork and chorizo round out the meat options, and they have a great vegetarian choice. One ingredient in the veggies is nopalitos (cactus) that is a better quality cactus than I can find at any other establishment. The quality of their meats is unsurpassed!

The Sopes…three corn masa “bowls” adding your selection of meat (splitting the three with pork/shredded beef/chicken is a top choice…pun intended), with beans, pico and avocado…are a favorite. The Burrito and Chimichanga are each great…with a filling(s), then topped with a red chili and a queso sauce. Their tortillas are hand-made. The Tamales are awesome, served with rice and beans. Mama’s Mexican rice (verde) is the best Mexican rice in town! The Layered Enchiladas…pick your filling (steak and chicken?)…are really moist and flavorful. I also love the Salad Bowl with veggies and pork. Taco Mama’s is all about giving you control of your gastronomic adventure! So…take charge.

They offer three desserts. The Churro (a Mexican doughnut) with Mexican Chocolate is stunning. You dip the warm Churro in the melted chocolate…these must be served in heaven! The Flan and Tequila Lime Pie are also grande.

Taco Mama’s offers a fun and unique drink list. The Frozen Sangria is house-made with fresh fruits. This swirled with their fresh juice frozen margaritas is a spectacular drink. Mama’s also has a nice supply of Mexican beers that will make you say “muy bueno”. The atmosphere is very nice…how did they do this with the hardware store shell?

Bottom line? Diana Bratton, husband Shane, and Scott started Taco Mama several months ago with a few flaws that have now been corrected. If you love 1217 (and who doesn’t?) and you like Mexican, you will now love Taco Mama. This one’s popularity will continue to grow to make it a top restaurant in our Spa City!

9:56 p.m. Siesta