Mawita is just wow! My boyfriend and I visited Snowmass/ Aspen for the first time and were looking for great food after spending the day on the slopes. Our concierge, Tom, told us about a recently opened Latin inspired restaurant right by our hotel so we decided to check it out. I’ll review based on the 3 Ps as that’s what I do in my career.
The product~ We ordered tacos on our first visit because we wanted a quick snack before going to dinner. Never in my life have I had tacos this good… and I’ve had A LOT of tacos. The jerk chicken tacos will likely be a number one seller. They are so perfectly seasoned with a generous amount of chicken, a refreshingly zesty mango salsa, and a hidden gem of fried ripe plantain which perfectly balanced sweet and savory. The pork belly tacos were also incredible. They are were perfectly rendered and crisp, simply done with hoisin and a pickled veg + pickle garnish. The pork belly here is now tied in my personal first place with the pork belly bao buns at the Leadmine in Southern Pines, NC. Finally, the duck confit tacos were lovely and flavorful with a good portion of duck, pickled veg, and a cilantro garnish. I would highly recommend this or the pork belly for anyone who has an aversion to spice but still wants flavour. We ordered the coconut flan to go which was a very different approach to flan that I very much appreciated. The flan itself had a beautiful buttery pastry crust (a first in my experience) which made a simple dessert that much more interesting as far as texture. There was also a fruit compote topping (mango if I recall correctly) and it elevated it so much more. 10/10.
The people~ My first visit was on Monday afternoon for a drink whilst waiting for my boyfriend to come down. I was immediately greeted by Faye who showed me to some very comfy lounge seating near the front. She took my drink order and let me peruse the menu for a while. After I placed my food order, Euginia came by to check on me to make sure I was ok. We were also taken care of by Jonas on our first and second visit (which was the next day), who was just lovely! When waiting for a takeout order Mawa happened to be in the restaurant. She came over and had conversation with my boyfriend and I. She was friendly, down to earth, and I could tell took immense pride in her work. The people working at Mawita are incredible. Everyone is so approachable, friendly, and seem to genuinely enjoy their work. 12/10.
The price~ The entrees are extremely well priced considering the geographical location and current inflation challenges. I’ll add, we spent more in Aspen for dining experiences that left us totally underwhelmed which is why we ended up coming to Mawita a total of 3 times in our 3 day visit. 11/10.
Long story short, dine at Mawita and if you’re lucky enough to be taken care of by Euginia, Faye, or Jonas you’re in for a treat. I have no doubt they will be attracting a culinary...
Read moreMawita Snowmass Village: A Culinary Gem in the Mountains
Situated in the picturesque Snowmass Village, Mawita stands out as a delightful dining destination that brings a refreshing burst of flavor to the area. Known for its innovative approach to cuisine and its inviting atmosphere, Mawita has quickly established itself as a must-visit spot for both locals and visitors.
Ambiance: Mawita offers a chic yet cozy ambiance that strikes the perfect balance between elegance and comfort. The interior features modern design elements with rustic touches, creating a sophisticated yet relaxed environment. The large windows provide stunning views of the surrounding mountains, enhancing the overall dining experience. Whether you're enjoying a romantic dinner or a gathering with friends, the setting at Mawita adds a special touch.
Service: The service at Mawita is exemplary. The staff are attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about the food they serve. From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with warmth and professionalism. Their recommendations are spot-on, and they handle special requests with ease, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable dining experience.
Food: Mawita’s menu is a celebration of creative and flavorful dishes, showcasing a fusion of influences that cater to a variety of tastes.
Appetizers: Start with the [Fondue de queso], a flavorful introduction that perfectly sets the stage for the rest of your meal. It’s beautifully presented and offers a delightful burst of flavors. Main Courses: The [Goat Carnitas taco] is a standout, featuring high-quality ingredients and a harmonious blend of tastes. The attention to detail in the preparation is evident in every bite, making it a memorable part of your meal. Desserts: Don’t miss out on the [Basque cheesecake]. It’s a perfect ending to your dining experience, with its rich flavors and elegant presentation leaving a lasting impression. Value: While Mawita might be on the pricier side, the exceptional quality of the food and the overall dining experience justify the cost. Portions are generous, and the attention to detail in both the cuisine and service makes it a worthwhile investment for a special night out.
Overall: Mawita in Snowmass Village is a culinary treasure that elevates the dining experience in this charming mountain town. With its sophisticated ambiance, outstanding service, and innovative cuisine, it offers a memorable experience that is sure to delight. Whether you’re a local resident or just passing through, Mawita is a destination worth visiting for a taste of something...
Read moreI've been going here for years (since it opened) and unfortunately my experience on Wednesday was atrocious, and I feel compelled to write about it because it hasn't changed in years.
So we're going to see the comedy show at The Collective, and hoping to get a couple drinks before the show. There are a few people at the bar, a table is occupied and there are at least 4 staff including 3 behind the bar and one server.
We're there 5 minutes, then 10 minutes, the bartender hasn't acknowledged us yet. She is working on a cocktail for someone (same cocktail as 7 minutes ago) and finally starts to look our way, and another guest interrupts and says, I'm sorry, we've been here for 15 minutes, can you please help us first? So she does. Fair, they were here first. But what I am astounded by is that the other two staff, one behind the bar and one who I have learned is a manager, aren't doing anything to help. One is washing dishes, and referring people to the lady making drinks, and the manager is micromanaging the bartender, telling her how to make drinks instead of getting behind the bar and fixing the issue. She is well aware that we are there, and have been for going on 20 minutes.
To get TWO BEERS!
The bartender here can't do more than one thing slowly at a time, which isn't helpful. Seriously, it is like this every time I come here. Daytimes can be better, but I dont think I have ever gotten a beer quicker than 10 minutes. Usually I have to find someone, ask them for a menu, order a beer, they tell me to go inside or that someone else will wait on them. But it is seriously frustrating that a world class establishment such as the Collective (with excellent, sold out programming) doesn't have the support of the restaurant next to it, and every single time I come for a evening event here, service is so slow that I want to never come again.
The food can be good, even excellent, but the service is generally substandard and slower than molasses. I hope it can improve. Please. For the love of snow and business. Get better at service, you are the face of a world class ski resort. I've also never seen a manager hop in to fix it, yet watched them tell the staff how to pour drinks. I have 20+ years of experience in hospitality, and...
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