Rasta Taco

– for Jamaicans and tourists alike

RASTA TACO had a quiet opening recently at Island Village in Ocho Rios, and already, its succulent mix of Jamaican and Mexican cuisine has created quite a buzz for Jamaicans and tourists alike.

Its quesadillas have already become a favourite of many, but so, too, its margaritas, guacamole, and other menu items such as burritos and escoveitch fish tacos.

The secret is all in the sauces, so think chipotle, teriyaki, jerk, garlic, and Scotch bonnet sauces and you begin to get the idea.

“The sauces are what really make it kick and what people will remember Rasta Taco by,” explained Nazma Muller, assistant manager at the restaurant. “The food is fast, within 10 minutes, and it’s Mexican with a Jamaican twist.”

Manager Josee Lamontagne puts it into perspective, adding: “It’s the best of Jamaica mixed with the Mexican style, and the people, they love it! We get a lot of people from the ships, and we also want to be getting to the local people, for Jamaicans to come, and taste what we serve. We’re trying to make it very Jamaican-style so they can come and experience and enjoy.”

“When you come you can expect to get great food and great margaritas, of course.”

Owned by Mexican-American, Mario Meléndez, Rasta Taco’s genesis dates back to 2006 when Meléndez first came to Jamaica and thought of opening a taco stand after purchasing the domain www.rastataco.com.

When he returned to California, however, he started taco catering under the brand Rasta Taco, and the business took off. As the brand grew in popularity, Meléndez started learning more about the Jamaican culture and decided he would open a branch in Jamaica. But first, he tried it at home, opening the first Rasta Taco restaurant in Laguna two years ago.

Melendez also owns the world’s only margarita truck in California.

Next stop was Jamaica. After searching, he found a spot at Chris Blackwell’s Island Village shopping centre and established the second Rasta Taco restaurant in the world, in the land of Rasta.

At the end of January, Rasta Taco served patrons at the Grace Jones documentary: Bloodlight

and Bami, including Jones herself, before opening its doors officially and is ready to serve Jamaicans and the world.

Rasta Taco is still a work in progress and is more than a business venture for Melendez, Muller explained. It’s not just about making money. He wants to support the Rastafari culture, which is one of his missions in life.