Momento Tapas & Craft Cocktails in Goldsboro, North Carolina: Meet the Chef

Dec 8

We sat down with Executive Chef Mario Mendieta of Momento Tapas & Craft Cocktails in Goldsboro, North Carolina. Every element—from the ambiance to the service—is intentional. Savor tapas that marry international techniques with Latin flair, the cocktails are imaginative and expressive, and the staff operates like family, dedicated to delivering an exceptional experience to every guest. Visit Momento for the vibrant energy, bold flavors, and the connections they foster in every dish and drink.

Tell us about what your morning routine looks like, and how you like to end your day?

I always begin my day with meditation and gratitude. I take a few minutes for a light walk to connect with the present moment, then I outline the top seven priorities I want to focus on. At the end of the day, I like to reflect, reset, and review ideas for new dishes. Working with Momento keeps my creativity flowing — every day brings inspiration for something new we can offer our guests.

Do you have any awards or achievements you’ve earned?

Yes, I’ve participated in several culinary competitions and earned recognitions along the way. But honestly, the achievement I value most is the reaction from our guests — when someone tells us we made their day better through our food, that is the greatest award. Being part of Momento and contributing to its statewide recognition is something I am very proud of.

Do you have a favorite chef? What advice would you give to aspiring chefs?

I admire many chefs — we all bring something unique to the table. But chefs like Carlos Gaytán, Virgilio Martínez, and René Redzepi inspire me deeply for their passion and creative approach to cuisine. My advice to young chefs is this: cook with purpose.

Momento Tapas & Craft Cocktails in Goldsboro, North Carolina: Meet the Chef

Find your 'why' in the kitchen. When you discover your purpose, everything else begins to align naturally.

What do you typically cook at home?

I cook a little bit of everything. I have several children, each with their favorite dishes, so our home meals are always diverse. But what I enjoy cooking most are comforting dishes — stews, broths, warm plates that feel like they feed the soul. Those flavors often influence the food we create at Momento.

What’s a food trend that you’re loving right now?

I’m loving the focus on hyper-local cooking, zero-waste practices, fermentation, and alkaline cuisine. These approaches push chefs to be intentional and creative — values we incorporate into the kitchen at Momento.

What’s the strangest food combination you’ve ever tried? And, did you like it?

Insects — and I actually enjoy them. They’re not strange to me culturally, but they’re still unfamiliar to many people. There is a lot to explore in that protein category, and it often inspires experimentation in my cooking.

What’s your Instagram so that readers can follow you?

It is @chefmariomendieta — My work can also be found at: @momento_cocktails • @suculenta_atx • @suculentacantina

Have you ever cooked for a celebrity? Do you have a story to tell?

Yes — just last month, I cooked for several players from the Mexican National Soccer Team in San Antonio during a commercial shoot. The production team requested a very 'fitness-style' menu for them, but none of the players wanted that. They preferred traditional Mexican flavors — something comforting and familiar. It turned into a fun and memorable experience.

What drink do you enjoy most?

fermented — pulque, kombucha, tepache. I love natural beverages with depth, character, and history behind them. They inspire the style of cocktails we create at Momento.

Tell readers why they should visit Momento Tapas & Craft Cocktails?

Momento is a warm, vibrant space designed to create unforgettable moments. Every detail — from the atmosphere to the service — was crafted with intention. Our tapas blend international technique with Latin inspiration, our cocktails are creative and expressive, and our team operates like a family, committed to giving every guest an exceptional experience. Visitors should come to Momento for the energy, the flavors, and the feeling of connection we aim to create with every dish and drink. And don’t leave without trying our 'Papitas Locas' and the 'Flor de Mayo' cocktail — they’re some of our favorites.

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