{Not Forgotten}
A part of me has died. A rather large part of me.
Matta's. Gone. Closed. This is an outrage. How could they do this to me? How could they knowingly shut down the institution that made my life worth living? How could they close their doors and shut me off--cut me off--from the only chips and salsa I have ever actually tasted in my dreams? How does the Matta family sleep at night?
You can read the story--what meager explanation it might give--here.
I've made some really special memories there, and now...they're all I have. Oh, sure, the Matta family says they're relocating somewhere else in Mesa. Only they don't know where. And they don't know when. And really, would I even enjoy it anymore without the old-town, been-here-since-before-I-was-born, my-mom-ate-there-after-her-first-time-through-the-temple ambiance? I sincerely doubt it. They haven't even promised that their salsa will be the same at this alleged "new location," nor were they willing to sell the recipe. Not for my car. Not for a million dollars. Not even for my soul [I offered]. They tried tossing me a bone with the whole, "There's still a Matta's Grill open somewhere out in the boondocks" line. But when questioned, the despondent-looking veteran-waitress of 21 years could not guarantee me it would be the same Matta's I've always loved...so I'm not buying it.
To more accurately express my deep sense of loss, I have put together a short film [it's not really seven minutes long...more like five and a half. I had trouble cutting down the song in iMovie, so as soon as the music ends, let it be a sign that the movie is over]:
"The End of Life as We've Heretofore Known It"
The worst part of the whole tragic tale? Matta's was the only Mexican food that Poor Kyle has ever enjoyed, and ever considered eating a second time.
And...my life will never be the same.
Labels: fiascos, sad things, short films, what I'm about
posted by Camille @ 9:38 PM
10 Comments:
OH NO!! I love that place!! Every time we've visited friends in Mesa for years and years now, we have enjoyed dining at Matta's.
What a terrible day!
lrf
I am aching right along with you, Camille. Shame on both of us for marrying outside the Arizonan covenant. There is no place like Arizona to offer REAL mexican food (except Mexico, of course), and nothing like Mattas. Sad times.
That's so sad. I have many memories there (we went there after my first time through the temple too, doesn't everyone?). Although, -don't hate- I like El Charro better. It's a Wright thing. I will agree with you and say Matta's has the best chips and salsa, something that even New Mexico can't compete with. Sigh, I married outside the Arizona covenant too.
Oh it was a sad day for me too when my mom told me the other day that Matta's had closed. I felt empty and sad because I didn't even have a warning so I never had my farewell meal. Even though I haven't lived in Arizona for long I do have a long history of visiting Matta's everytime my family came to visit our relatives in Mesa. I've heard many stories about my mom's life growing up going to Matta's (like going there every week after church for sunday dinner) Also, I've heard for years that Matta's has the best chiles rellenos and I wouldn't know for sure because I have nothing to compare them to. I'd never even consider ordering a chiles relleno anywhere but Matta's. I agree, even if they re-open somewhere else it just won't be the same.
I'd pick El Charro ANY DAY over Matta's.
I second that notion. El Charro's is INFINITELY better than Matta's. And I have even married into the Arizonan covenant. LONG LIVE EL CHARRO!!!!
I am sorry camille...but I have only eaten at matta's ONCE! But it was really good. I am accually a mangos lover...and just so you know I don't like el charro AT ALL! I used to like rosas, but they changed management, and they just aren't the same. I loved you movie, and I just want to thank you again for the flyer help, I will be dropping one off at adells and your moms tomorrow.
I'm not gonna lie, I'm an El Charro fan. And you can blame that on your cousin Adell Carling & her family. However, I will say that I only ate at Matta's once and I don't even remember it, so maybe it is better and I'm just unaware.
Either way, I'm sorry for your loss. I'll miss seeing the old Matta's sign from Main St.
Serranos is LEAPS AND STRIDES better than both Matta's and El Charo, you should give them a shot, since you can't go to Matta's anymore :) they are great, on Dobson and Guadalupe for your parent's area...
chelsie will be so upset. that was one of the top 10 things she wanted to do when she got home...eat at mattas.
i will have to introduce you to Macayos....they have the most amazing chicken chimichangas ever!
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