James Beard Award-Nominated Chef to Open Taco Bamba in Green Hills

Green Hills, the affluent neighborhood of Nashville, Tennessee, is soon to become home to Taco Bamba, the newest restaurant endeavor by James Beard Award-nominated chef Victor Albisu. The renowned culinary artist, who has competed on Beat Bobby Flay and served as a guest judge on Hell’s Kitchen, is all set to open the 13th outlet of his thriving venture on March 12.

From Humble Beginnings to National Success

Albisu’s journey with Taco Bamba began eleven years ago in Falls Church, Virginia, where the idea for a taco restaurant quite literally “fell out” of his mouth when considering options for a location next to a market owned by his mother, Rosa Susinski. The restaurant chain, which had humble beginnings as a take-out taqueria, was a significant departure from Albisu’s high-profile culinary career, which included a stint as a culinary diplomat during the Obama administration and the ownership of Del Campo, an upscale South American grill.

However, the gamble to transition from high-end gastronomy to casual Mexican fare proved successful. Taco Bamba rapidly became popular across the nation with its unique approach to traditional cuisine, leading to the opening of outlets in several cities. Now, Nashville, offering a strategic location within the Hill Center Green Hills at 4017 Hillsboro Pike, is primed to be the latest addition to the ever-growing Taco Bamba family.

A Twist of Music City Flavor

In keeping with the Taco Bamba tradition, the Nashville location will exhibit a blend of local flavor along with its signature culinary offerings. The 2,800-square-foot space maintains the brand’s classic black-and-red design but also celebrates Music City’s vibrant culture, with music-themed art and decor. The food menu also features unique-to-Nashville items that put a Southern twist on classic Mexican fare.

Highlight dishes include the Jolena, a taco filled with cornmeal-crusted catfish, agave lime slaw, chipotle spiced-ranch, and a pickled corn salad, as well as the El Pimento Empanada stuffed with molten pimento cheese and roasted jalapeno. Other noteworthy specialties include the Broken Holas, featuring Tennessee whiskey barbecued pork carnitas, potato salad, chipotle mustard, and tobacco onions.

A Full Bar and a Touch of Rock n’ Roll

Apart from the culinary treasures, Taco Bamba’s Nashville venue also boasts a comprehensive bar program that greatly complements its exceptional food items. Signature cocktails include the Old Yella, an intriguing blend of mezcal, bourbon, passion fruit liquor, pineapple Jarrito, and chocolate mole bitters.

In honor of musician Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, a friend and supporter of Albisu’s work in Nashville, the restaurant offers the Sharp Dressed Hombre – a slow-roasted brisket served with Gibbons’ own Whisker Bomb hot sauce, pepitas, sweet and spicy slaw, citrus onion, and pickled jalapeño.

Festive Launch with Exclusive Offerings

When Taco Bamba opens its doors on March 12, the first 100 customers will receive complimentary limited-edition coffee tumblers and a “golden ticket” for various gifts ranging from free menu items and mezcal to T-shirts and hats. Twenty lucky customers will win a year-long treat of a taco a week. But more than just the attractive inaugural gifts, Albisu wishes his patrons to experience his genuine love for the city and feel welcomed into the warm, vibrant atmosphere of the new establishment in Green Hills.