Take Root Hospitality (TRH) is set to open Taqueria Morita in the newly constructed garden-side pavilion space at Vicia in time for Memorial Day weekend on Thursday, May 26th. 

Inspired by TRH partner and Culinary Director Aaron Martinez’s Mexican heritage, Taqueria Morita will feature tacos and other seasonal dishes with the restaurant’s local vegetables at the center of the menu.  Martinez will serve as head chef and like Vicia, the menu will change with the seasons.  Sample dishes may include Achiote Cauliflower with garlic mojo, cilantro and almond sikil pak; Red Beet Tostadas with horseradish, cilantro, chili toreados and smoked cashew pipian; and Oyster Mushroom Tacos with red onion, requeson, and peanut salsa macha.  Guests can expect to find morita chiles – richly flavored chili peppers that inspired the taqueria’s name -- on nearly every menu. The bar program, spearheaded by TRH Bar Manager Phil Ingram, will boast signature margaritas, custom beer from Rockwell Beer Co, and wine on draft.

“We’re so excited to introduce a concept based around our favorite Mexican flavors,” said Martinez.  “But make no mistake -- this restaurant is not your typical taco joint.  It’s done in a very TRH way with sophisticated dishes using top quality ingredients, many of which were grown and picked right here in our garden.”

The outdoor restaurant, which was outfitted by local design firm SPACE, will have 56 seats, with half under a covered awning and half on the lower level of the pavilion. Additional garden space, brought to life by Matt Lebon of Custom Foodscaping, will feature edible plantings, colorful flowers, apple and pear trees, and a number of other sustainable plants.  Vicia’s state of the art outdoor kitchen has been expanded to accommodate the needs of Chef Martinez and his team and will act as the sole kitchen for Taqueria Morita. 

The casual concept is designed to be first come, first serve, with guests ordering at the counter before taking their seats.  Servers will deliver food to the tables and QR codes will be provided for easy re-ordering.  Lively Mexican music will set the scene as guests settle in for a festive night in the idyllic venue. 

“Since opening Vicia in 2017 we’ve had such a positive response to the fresh, seasonally inspired food we love to make,” said TRH owner and chef, Michael Gallina.  “Opening Taqueria Morita in this outdoor haven gives us even more opportunity to experiment with flavors, highlight our produce and really bring our love for sustainable agriculture to life in an unexpected way.”

Located at 4260 Forest Park Avenue, Taqueria Morita will be open from 5pm – 9pm Thursday- Saturday, weather dependent and reservations will not be accepted.  In the case of inclement weather, the dining area will be closed and takeaway will be available.

For the scoop on everything new and now in STL, subscribe to Sophisticated Living and receive our e-newsletter: https://www.sophisticatedstlouis.com/subscribe