Underbelly officials announced plans in August for Comalito, a taqueria being launched in partnership with the Mexico City-based restaurant group Nixt. Comalito will open this fall at 2520 Airline Drive, Houston, in the space occupied by Wild Oats, which opened in 2022.
In an Aug. 3 news release, Nina Quincy, president of Underbelly Hospitality, said she was excited to partner with Nixt, which is led by chef Luis Robledo Richards.
"We saw this as a great opportunity to engage a chef of Luis’ caliber for a taqueria concept that works synergistically with the Houston Farmers Market, and will eventually, fill a void through its tortilla manufacturing and retail program,” Quincy said.
Menu offerings will include tacos al pastor; tacos de parrilla, or grilled tacos; and fresh salsas in an effort to recreate the taquerias of Mexico City. Vegan and vegetarian options will be available.
Many peppers and produce used at Comalito will be sourced from the Houston Farmers Market, and some proteins will be sourced from R-C Ranch, also located at the market.
Underbelly officials said they will import endemic, organic heirloom corn from Central Mexico for the tortillas, which will be processed on site using nixtamalization, a traditional process that involves cooking the corn and grinding into a fine masa, according to the release.
"We’ve assembled an extraordinary team of Mexico City chefs and mixologists who have worked tirelessly to conceptualize a menu that is rooted in quality and sourcing with a tortilla program that will be second to none,” Robledo Richards said in a statement.
A cocktail program will center on unique mezcal and tequila drinks. Future plans involve serving brunch and breakfast.
The last day for Wild Oats at the Houston Farmers Market will be Sept. 3, Underbelly officials said. After that, it will open in a new location in Spring Branch next door to Underbelly Burgers at 1222 Witte Road, Houston. In the meantime, diners can stop by during Houston Restaurant Weeks, which Wild Oats is taking part in alongside many other area restaurants.
