Napa’s Beloved Mothers Tacos Brings Mexico City-Style Grilled Meats to Ventura | Eater LA

"This Napa taqueria, founded in 2023 by Charles Whittaker and Benedict “Ben” Koenig, has become a wine-country favorite known for pastor tacos shaved off a trompo, cheesy chicharron mulitas, and mole plates served alongside make-your-own micheladas and aguas frescas. On warm days a line often stretches out as diners sit at picnic tables digging into fish tacos and Oaxacan cheese-topped fries, and the name pays tribute to the doñas of Mexico. The operation is expanding with a new Ventura location slated to open in mid-April; executive chef and general manager Gabe Garcia (recently at Tierra Sur at Herzog Cellars and Highly Likely) will lead the kitchen. The Ventura menu will feature a line-up of street tacos with meats cooked al carbón and over a mesquite grill, with aguachile and chicharrón as strong supporting dishes and larger family-style plates like lamb shank barbacoa and duck carnitas meant for sharing. The restaurant will also serve fresh churros with dipping chocolate, and a full bar will offer beer, margaritas, and aguas frescas. Founders Whittaker and Koenig are working with Mexico City’s Gospel Studio to design the branding and interior, which will feature splashy red accents against curved concrete and light wood tables." - Rebecca Roland