Mexican food is my happy food, and something I crave from time to time.
Who doesn’t love a warm platter of tacos, or even quesabirria with melted cheese or snacking on guacamole and chips.
When Alredo Romero left Sofitel’s La Maree as executive chef a few months back, he decided to return to his roots, starting his own business selling Mexican food.
Alfredo described starting Taco Amaiz as “the best decision” he’s made. I think it’s also the best thing that has happened for Mexican food fans.
I’ve known Alfredo for a while and have eaten at La Maree when he was there, but I dare say his birria tacos are truly out of this world, and this is where he belongs.
Birria tacos differ from the normal tacos as they are served with a stew made from slow-cooked meat.
Alfredo’s birria tacos look unassuming, but they are bursting with flavours - packed with melt-in-your-mouth beef brisket, topped with shreds of cabbage on blue corn tortillas.
Alfredo grew up in Sonora and Baja California, which borders the US state of California, and says he draws his inspiration for his dishes from the food from these cities.
“That’s where I grew up, and it’s the flavours I remember and love and want to share it with Kiwis and also keep them alive for my kids to appreciate,” said Alfredo, who is dad to a pair of 10-year-old twins.
“My menu celebrates the joys and memories of my childhood in Mexico. What people taste here is what they would taste back in my home.”
Alfredo has worked for over 25 years in luxury resort hospitality across the world, and feels the time is ripe for him to be returning to his roots.
After leaving Sofitel, Alfredo started selling his tacos at markets across Auckland and found that people loved them.
“So I thought I’d take the plunge and sign up to have this stall here in Parnell 269,” he said.
He was not wrong about people loving them - the first weekend of Taco Amaiz’s opening early in December saw Alfredo selling upwards of 300 tacos on both the Saturday and Sunday.
Parnell 269 is a new food complex and dining destination that recently opened on Parnell Road.
It’s a pet project is the brainchild of Kevin Harvey, who’s father Les Harvey is often described as Parnell Village’s founding father. You’ll find a statue of Les at the top of Parnell Rise in the village centre.
Parnell 269 has seven permanent stores including Taco Amaiz. It also runs a dedicated Saturday market with a mainly European, Mediterranean and Latin American theme from 8am-1pm every week.
Taco Amaiz
269 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland 1052
Open: 11am to 10pm
