Mhmm…Mambo Restaurant

The reputation of being an award-winning restaurant and one of the best in the country definitely precedes Mambo Restaurant at Matachica. Our expectations were surely surpassed when we were invited for dinner during our stay at the ultra chic resort in north Ambergris Caye.

The chef at Mambo prepares daily exquisite contemporary dishes for a menu that is influenced with an Italian and Mediterranean flare. It’s an international menu that contains a variety of homemade pastas, breads and fresh spices and herbs that come from their own organic garden.

Indeed! One taste of their Char-grilled Peppercorn Filet Mignon and you are in heaven. It's a thick juicy cut of meat, perfectly char-grilled, that is served with potato and roast garlic puree and caramelized balsamic onions, drizzled with red pepper coulis and basil oil. It’s very flavorful and equally delicious as the char-grilled, mango glazed pork chop; only that the pork chops burst with a sweet flavor with the pineapple black bean salsa. The chops are served along with thinly sliced fried yucca and drizzled with cilantro oil.

If you like pasta, make sure you order the Penne a la Carbonara. Tender penne pasta is sautéed with bacon, garlic, cream and fresh parmesan cheese in white wine; add shrimp and the dish becomes even more delicious.

Thinking about the entrees made me forget about the appetizers temporarily, but there is nothing unforgettable about the appetizers at Mambo. Indulge on the Matachica spring rolls - sautéed strips of chicken and shrimp with fresh Ginger, sesame and cilantro, rolled with Thai- style vegetables and served with Hoisin chili dipping sauce. Shrimp lovers can ignite their appetite with the Fiery Mango Caramelized Island Shrimp which is flambéed with tequila and served with cucumber, green onion and tomato salad. Also try the calamari fritti and the authentic Italian bruschetta.

Your dining experience at Mambo is heightened by the luxurious surroundings of the dining room which is filled with contemporary paintings, candelabras, local ceramic art and exotic handcrafted Belizean art and Central American mahogany furniture. The air is filled with soothing world music carefully selected to make your dining experience more enjoyable.

Dinner at Mambo is not complete without ending with a decadent dessert. Topping my list of favorites is the uber-delicious Pecan Pie - warm, sweet and crunchy served with a rum caramel sauce. Absolutely incredible is the warm Chocolate Soufflé, a decadent chocolate cake with a melted center. Served with Manelly's homemade vanilla ice cream, there is nothing more indulgent at Mambo restaurant.

Clearly, Mambo restaurant at Matachica has proven its status among the top restaurants in the country, retaining a quality and reputation of style, tinction, class and excellent culinary perfection.