Andale andale, arriba arriba!

It's amazing how Mexican restaurants have cropped up in Manila. But back in the day, when I was high school, there was only Tia Maria's.

Aside from Thai and Japanese food, Mexican is tops on my list of favorites.

My friends and I loved Tia's because well, frankly, they had good food - especially the taquitos - and really, really good zombies you can take out by the bottle.

Now that's service!

Recently, I noticed a Tia Maria's near my office at the ground floor of the Enterprise Center along De la Rosa Street in Legazpi Village. At first, I didn't think it was Tia's, because the logo was different. But lo and behold, it was the same Tia's that I remembered from my teen years.

I ate there last week with some new friends, old friends and old friends I haven't seen in a long, long time and the food was really delish.

I didn't have any expectations, because it had been a long time since I had eaten at Tia's.

When Shauna and I arrived, there was a huge platter of appetizers on the table as well as a pitcher of margarita! Perfect after a long day of being on our feet at a shoot.

This is Kai's (hi Kai!) favorite dish of appetizers because it's literally got everything on it and its best to share with friends. There are (from left to right) barbecued liempo, Mexican pizza, nachos, mini tacos, buffalo wings and cheese sticks. Plus, I love the sauces that it comes with: cheese sauce, sour cream, salsa verde and ranchero sauce.

I loooove nachos, so I ordered one with the meat on the side and extra jalapenos.

This monster order of nachos has everything yummy as well. I love how the cheese sauce is that gooey nacho cheese sauce and not the thick kind. It's got olives, tomatoes, jalapenos, sour cream and a bit of salsa. Yum.

This was my main course! I could hardly fit anything else in my tummy, but Shauna ordered chicken wings.

Ok, ok, chicken wings are not very Mexican, but the spicy, crunchy wings went with everything else we were eating. This was nice and not oily or greasy at all, like some other chicken wing places.

 If you're craving for an enchilada, it might be best to share with someone, as portions are huge here. It also comes with cheese sticks. Me love me some cheese!

 Michelle, Cat and Annie

 Glenn and Shauna

The whole gang is here!

I'm happy to know that not only had Tia's maintained its consistency, it has expanded its menu to include more things for pica-pica to go with yummy drinks like margaritas, chi-chis or zombies. Plus, it's so close to my office, it will definitely be a place to have a quick lunch or celebrate five-thirsty (or more seven thirty thirsty in my case) with officemates and friends who live in Makati.

Tia Maria's
G/F Enterprise Center
De la Rosa Street corner Paseo de Roxas
Legazpi Village, Makati City