Small Business Spotlight: La Madre

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

If you're new to Mexican street food, Abraham recommends trying the tacos.

Looking for delicious Mexican food in the Mill District? Check out La Madre, 205 Park Avenue (corner of Washington and Park) for freshly made salsas, tacos, tostadas, guacamole, and many other Mexican street foods. We talked to owner Abraham Ponce Delgadillo about the inspiration for the restaurant and how Guadalajara Mexico cuisine forms the backbone for the menu.  

Abraham and Martha

Q:  You’ve said that La Madre is a tribute to your mother, Martha Ponce. Can you talk a bit more about what that means to you and how the menu reflects her influence.

A:  La Madre is my mom's! It's her home cooking and her love and passion for food. As head chef, she is very present and involved with menu development. Her recipes and tenacity have driven our success through the years. You can see and taste her influence in every creation. 

QuesadillasQ:  Did you grow up eating the dishes on La Madre’s menu, and if so, do you incorporate family recipes into your cooking?

A:  Yes! Every dish on the menu reminds me of my childhood: the pozole, the beans and rice, the tacos, salsas and so much more. 

Q:  From a single food trailer in 2014 to today – you have grown the business to now include two restaurants, a food truck and two locations in Target Center. Congratulations! What have been the biggest, most delightful surprises to you over this 10-year period of business growth?

A:  The biggest surprise in the last 10 years is how many people have followed our journey. I'm humbled to know that there are people who understand the hard work and tenacity needed to keep going. I'm also delighted when we get to cater to people's special moments like weddings, and retirements, and to have us be their choice is very meaningful to us. 

Q:  Are there specific regional influences from Mexico that shine through in your menus?

A:  Yes! Our home city of Guadalajara. Most dishes are inspired by and influenced by Guadalajara Mexico. In Guadalajara, you see the combination of indigenous influences (corn, beans and squash), colonial contributions (rice, beef, pork, dairy) and even more global influences from places like Africa. Guadalajara has a rich culinary heritage which we proudly bring to you, our customers.

Selection of homemade salsas

Madres Wraps

Sumadre burger

Satisfy your sweet tooth with the Fried Platains Dessert

Q:  What’s your philosophy on the balance between authenticity and innovation in your menus?

A:  Our philosophy is simple. Home-cooked honest Mexican meals. We balance authenticity with fair wages for our prep and line cooks. If we stay true to our principles everyone wins – our customers, our staff and our business. We don’t worry about innovation if we’re staying true to our roots.

Q:  If someone is new to Mexican street food, what dish would you recommend they try first?

A:  The tacos! Your specific spice level is on the salsa you choose on the side. We make all of our salsas fresh daily. I can’t recommend a specific taco – one day I might choose, carnitas or al pastor or chorizo or carne asada or pescado. I feel confident that we have a taco that will appeal to every taste.

Q:  We know we’re only seeing the beginning stages of your success story - how do we stay current with your news? 

A:  Our Instagram will be our ongoing platform for specials, and seasonal dishes, news, updates, etc. Please follow us and come by to visit.