Emmett T.
Yelp
Mama G's has maintained a presence at local farmers markets until recently opening a brick-and-mortar eatery in Mission Valley. They took over a space where a short-lived café/market had operated. From the standpoints of access and visibility, the location near the end of a cul de sac wasn't optimal. Only curbside parking along Camino del Rio South was available. A central bar with stools arranged both inside and outside the structure was the featured seating. Several tables were also set up outside under a covered front patio.
Gloria, the matriarch, and her sons run the operation. The current menu was a sheet of offerings based on Peruvian family recipes that had been handed down over the decades. Eight appetizers and eight entrees were the main categories along with two choices each of burgers, salads, and sandwiches. Three desserts rounded out the items. From a cost perspective, everything was quite affordable with nothing priced more than $18.
I chose a Causa Rellena with chicken (versus tuna) for an appetizer. This was a classic chilled lime and potato cake mixed with shredded white chicken meat and topped with a hard boiled egg slice, avocado, diced tomatoes, and crema. It was beautifully plated by the kitchen. A cup of dipping sauce was provided on the side, but it wasn't needed because the item already had sufficient flavor.
To complete my meal, I selected a Loma Saltado with sirloin (versus chicken or portobello mushroom). This traditional Peruvian stir fry contained red onion, tomato, cilantro, and green onions that were sautéed in soy sauce, vinegar, and spices. Some french fries were mixed in while a mound of white rice was added to one side of the dish. Another cup of the same dipping sauce was provided, but I didn't know why. The flavor of the sautée liquid was on point. What could have used improvement was tenderness to the slices of meat. More fries would have been a nice touch too.
After the staff has obtained more experience during the soft opening period, I hope they can expand the business hours. With a 7:30 pm closing time on Tuesday through Thursday, it can be challenging to navigate rush hour traffic and arrive at this end of Mission Valley without feeling hurried. For now, I gave a four star rating for my recent dinner at Mama G's Kitchen & Sauce.