Malvia - Casas de Barcena

Los menús son excelentes y las tapas deliciosas, pero asegúrate de reservar con antelación porque el lugar suele llenarse.

This is an Introductory Review. Malvia is named after the owner's mother, Maria Silvia who taught Chef Cynthia to cook from a young age as she grew up in a family of nine so Mom was always at the stove like my own mother. Cynthia worked in the US cooking after Gastronomy school and so she brings that cuisine culture here to Chapala. Malvia opened just three weeks ago in a little space on the second floor across from Chopo, Chapala and it is charming. The Menu is short and brief, with breakfast and lunch comida dishes available as well as take out. As I am a former Chef, I visit every restaurant and Cafe that interests me as I love to taste new flavors and contemporary dishes. I can tell you that Malvia has a very good future as every dish is excellent. As I introduced myself to Cynthis I asked for small portions of different dishes and so I started with the Albondigas en Chipotle with plain white rice followed by her home made Mole Poblano with Chicken. Then she made me a fresh Chile Relleno topped with an amazing red sauce, not spicy, accompanied by Mexican rice. Small portions work for a quick tasting and each plate was excellent. I have eaten in almost every Mexican restaurant in Chapala and Ajijic and this one takes the cake! There are other plates for lunch/comida you must taste and I am returning to have everything on the Menu. Breakfast is next as she serves traditional Mexican dishes as well as pancakes and such. I am certain she can make you Eggs Benedict as she is well trained. Give her a visit and taste for yourself. I am sold on this little gem. Cynthia plans on adding other traditional Mexican dishes as she grows her clientele, like Mixiotes de Pollo and so on.