New Mexican eatery opens in Newbury Park

Mama Rita's Authentic Mexican Cantina at Paraiso Town Center in Newbury Park will open its doors for business today, July 31, and host a gala grand opening all day on Sat., Aug. 16.

You're invited to join owner Laura Papenfus to celebrate and taste authentic Mexican food inspired by her grandmother's recipes. In addition to tasty meals, featured activities for the whole family during the grand opening will include a bounce house for children from noon to 4 p.m. and a local steel drum band, "Island Vibes," playing from 6 to 9 p.m.

Mama Rita's menu includes homemade tamales made completely from scratch, in pork and veggie-style; Chile Colorado, a family recipe contributed by a member of Papenfus' own cooking staff; and guacamole made with five different types of chilies.

All ingredients are handselected from local Mexican markets in nearby Oxnard.

Mama Rita's is at the Paraíso Town Center, 330 Via Las Brisas, in the Dos Vientos area of Newbury Park.