With Four Locations In Southern California, Madre Is Sharing Traditional Mexican Food – And Mezcal – One Meal At A Time

Mezcal is kind of a buzzword in Southern California these days, but in actuality, few people here know much about it. The fact is, though, it is a rich tradition in Mexico, our neighbor to the south, and an integral part of families and communities going back generations - many of whom have made SoCal their home. I recently visited a small business - Madre Oaxacan Restaurant in Santa Clarita, California - where the owner is sharing his culture with us in an incredibly meaningful way.

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The restaurant is called Madré (“mother” in Spanish) and is the passion project -- the result of many years of hard work and dedication -- by a man named Ivan Vasquez.

Madre was inspired by Vasquez's rich culture and traditions, driven by his love for the city he has called home since 1996, and named in honor of his mother.

In Vasquez's own words, “Madre is a gift from Oaxaca and my family to the beautiful city of Los Angeles” -- a way to thank the city for showing so much love to the Oaxacan community. He aims to be an example for other Oaxacan and indigenous individuals, showing them that they can do great things within the community.

Vasquez says, “Owning your own restaurant can give you the opportunity to represent your people, your ancestors, and your identity with a dish, an ingredient, a drink, a decoration, an element in your restaurant.”

I had the opportunity to dine and spend some time with Vasquez and it was by far one of the most exceptional restaurant experiences I have ever had. The staff, the food, the Mezcal, the atmosphere, and getting to know this special business owner were nothing but wonderful.

I believe Vasquez's full-time, hands-on approach is a big reason for his success. He spends time at each of his restaurants and can often be found behind the bar, running expo in the kitchen, taking inventory, training staff, and offering tastings with a focus on educating his customers. As a business owner, Vasquez finds satisfaction in keeping his team members close to home with the food, ingredients, chilis, and Mezcal - things that help relieve the pain of being away from home.

Another big factor that drives Vasquez is making his mom proud: “I can see my mom walking into the door one day and seeing the beautiful restaurant that we developed in her honor, and when that day arrives, that will be the biggest satisfaction of my life.”

Vasquez's humility, joy, commitment, and passion are obvious when he tells the story of his business, his heritage, and, of course, Mezcal. The 500 (yes, 500!) artisan Mezcals in Madre’s bar are unique, small-batch, 100 percent agave distilled spirits - and he knows every detail about every one of them.

Vasquez regularly travels to Mexico and connects personally with the farmers and aptly-called “Maestros” who make these craft spirits using traditional methods left behind by commercial brands. More than once, he told me that he wants more than anything for the next generation to carry on the tradition - for the children of these makers to continue making and for his children to enjoy drinking the results as he does now.

As we tasted and learned about Mezcal, which I highly recommend, Ivan somehow seemed to enjoy and marvel at each taste as if he was experiencing it for the first time with us.

If (better yet, when) you come to Madre, you can enjoy a Mezcal flight. There is a long list of three- and four-tasting flights on the menu, or you can request a custom flight.

In addition to the Mezcal, we enjoyed an amazing brunch. The Oaxacan dishes on the menu are inspired by Vasquez's mother’s recipes and I am determined to go back and try as many dishes as I can.

From the marinated meats to the delicate corn tortillas to the flavorful black bean paste of the Enfrijoladas, I was blown away with every single bite.

The Chilaquiles will spoil you for any other version elsewhere. Even the Cafe de Olla (which I love anyway) was outstanding.

Vasquez has been described as something of a purist and I think that is warranted. He emphasizes simplicity and the highest quality from the food to the liquor to the design of his restaurants. And it is that pure and simple approach that makes you appreciate every bite, sip, ingredient, and detail.

The Santa Clarita restaurant itself is cool, refined, and stylish, with tons of natural light and a comfortable atmosphere. I cannot wait to come back when the weather is a bit warmer to spend the evening on the beautiful patio!

After visiting Madre, I definitely have a newfound appreciation for Mezcal, for the culture and tradition that surrounds it, and for the flavors of Oaxaca, Mexico. Many thanks to Ivan Vasquez for sharing the story of Madre. Learn more and support this wonderful Southern California restaurant by visiting the Madre Oaxacan Restaurant & Mezcaleria website or by checking out Madre on Facebook.

Of course, Madre is one of many amazing small businesses doing great things in Southern California. If you have another business you’d like to see profiled on Only In Southern California, please nominate them for a chance to be featured. And be sure to follow Only In Southern California on Facebook and Instagram to stay in the know on the state’s events, restaurants, local businesses, and hidden gems.