Mexicali opened its doors in February 1993 - the dream of three siblings, Gonzalo, Dennis and Francesca Mabanta, who over the years had enjoyed very much the Latino culture and cuisine of San Francisco’s famous Mission District. The Mabantas missed the taste of this particular San Francisco-Mex style food in Manila, and so decided to do something about it. When a space became available at the Ayala Center in Makati, the first ever San Francisco-style burrito in the country was born. In 1993, there were quite a few naysayers who said that the concept wouldn’t work, since Filipinos don’t really like Mexican food (though they enjoy the margaritas). The siblings were young and inexperienced, and so did not listen to the pessimistic business advice. Throwing caution to the wind, they just went ahead with it. Thankfully, Mexicali has not only survived, it is actually not far from its 20th year of existence, with thirteen branches around Metro Manila serving thousands of happy customers. It has become the biggest Mexican quick service Mexican restaurant chain in the country, and has even spawned a few imitators to boot. And the previously unheard of original California burrito is now a well known word amongst local foodies. NEW DEVELOPMENTS In 2009, a fortuitous event happened: eldest brother Gonzalo married a Latin American woman, Claudia Hernandez, and a new element was brought into the Mexicali family. It had the effect of reenergizing and reinvigorating the restaurant chain, as Claudia it turned out was an enterprising businesswoman as well as an expert on the cuisine of Latin America. When she joined up, all sorts of things started to happen—from the menu, the service, a logo redesign, ongoing interior renovations…they even came up with a brand new bestseller: the famous Mexican soft corn taco, a must-try if you haven’t had it yet. Ahh, the power of women. Today, Mexicali is on the verge of international exposure as franchise inquiries have been coming in from Qatar, Canada and Guam. New stores are opening locally too, soon, with the latest units at the Serendra complex, The Fort, and in currently booming Naga City. A VEGETARIAN TREND? Another target is to provide a special vegetarian menu for the increasing number of health-conscious diners in the 21st century. This will be no problem as Francesca also owns The Corner Tree Café in Makati, the best gourmet vegetarian restaurant in Manila in 2010 and 2011; and Gonzalo is founder of the always popular Café Mediterranean chain of restaurants, which has an extensive and well-liked vegetarian menu selection as well. And the goal still remains: to provide customers with the best, freshest, tastiest Cal-Mex/Latin food in the country, along with exemplary hospitality, in a warm, relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Buen provecho! The Mabanta family