Take a Sneak Peak at Tu Madres’ Newly Refreshed Design
Since opening in December 2019, Tu Madres Cantina & Grill has created quite the buzz in La Quinta with its modern Baja-fusion cuisine. Three months after the restaurant’s debut, however, it was forced to close along with the rest of the world. Instead of bemoaning the effects of the pandemic, owner Andie Hubka got busy. Her response? Reimagine, reinvent and recreate. It’s still the same Tu Madres from the initial opening—but opportunity and necessity have allowed a second launch that’s even more exciting than the first. Mexican Restaurant in La Quinta
Tu Madres was a beautiful restaurant from the outset. “We were trying to create the feeling of a coastal cantina,” explains Hubka. “Lots of light, bright influence.” It’s well-appointed, contemporary, spacious and inviting, offering a relaxed ambiance as flamenco guitar plays overhead. The white-tiled walls exude brightness and cleanliness while a minimal lattice framework offers the perfect balance of separation and integration between the dining room and the bar.
The bar itself is quite a showpiece. The display of tequilas and mezcals is the envy of the East Valley, and there’s a creative craft-cocktail program on full display. An expansive white counter bartop was added during the subsequent renovations and runs the virtual length of the restaurant.
The biggest upgrade has been the construction of a front-end patio fixture. While many were cobbling together temporary floorboards, barriers, ropes and tents, Tu Madres went all in with a permanent concrete and stone fixture. As such, they’ve expanded the sidewalk out some 20 feet and enclosed it with a handcrafted stone wall and planters while an awning sits overhead to protect from desert extremes.
“People have become conditioned to eating outside,” Hubka comments in response to the additional 66 seats, which almost doubles the restaurant’s capacity. “We wanted to create an experience—one that takes you out of the strip mall.” Mexican Restaurant in La Quinta
The two adjoining units have similarly expanded their own patios. It’s transformed the whole block into a veritable oasis—a literal breath of fresh air with an experience akin to plaza dining as you gaze out at the picturesque nearby mountains. It takes full advantage of the idyllic climate and outdoor desert lifestyle.
The new renovations accentuate the restaurant’s curated, almost Zen-like configuration. The full glass front end offers picturesque desert views from the inside. Whether you’re inside looking out or outside looking in, you’ll enjoy the same quaint, integrated experience.
EXP 11/20
The dishes and the renovations aren’t the only things that are fresh at Tu Madres. They’ve also acquired a new chef. Victor Agras, a Veracruz native and reputed valley veteran, is adding new flair. “Victor’s family owns a successful restaurant in Veracruz,” adds Hubka. “He’s bringing brand-new life and taking Tu Madres to the next level.” With a heavy coastal background, Agras is expanding Tu Madres’ vibrant seafood offerings, and his bacon-wrapped, crab-stuffed shrimp Veracruz is already a huge hit.
It’s a fresh and exciting second launch for this young Mexican restaurant. Tu Madres had planted seeds with its tantalizing and imaginative twists on traditional fare. Now, with a new chef, renovations and a breathtaking patio, it’s taking root and set to bloom as one of the desert’s brightest hotspots.
Mexican Restaurant in La Quinta
Tu Madres Cantina & Grill
49990 Jefferson St, Ste 110
Indio, CA 92201
760.837.7787
I'm a restaurant aficionado having spent over 20 years in the industry and management.
