If you find 28 year old manager and bartender Michael Smith behind the bar when you’re at Momocho you’re in luck. You don’t have to talk to him long to realize that not only is he friendly and welcoming, but he is also quite the character. A West Side native, he grew up and went to school in Sheffield Lake, then attended the Cleveland Institute for Medical Massage and has been working at Momocho for four years now.

Whether it was kismet or good luck, he found his current position on a Craigslist listing for a manager. “It was kind of a fluke,” he says, later stat-ing that finding his job at Momocho is one of his best memories in Ohio City. “I was broke and looking for a job and I saw a listing for a bartender and man-ager and I applied.”

When he isn’t mixing drinks for customers or making sure that things at Momocho are running smoothly, Smith seems to be a bit of a thrill seeker. When asked about his interests and hobbies, he lists skiing, sky diving, going to concerts and enjoying good food and drink. That being said, it’s not hard to figure out why he enjoys his job at Momocho so much - it’s a fun place.

So, what is your favorite part about your job?

Being around the people. We have great customers. We have a great product, and we have a really good reputation. People come from all over the country and all over the world knowing about us already.

What is your favorite thing to eat/drink at Momocho?

My favorite thing to eat is the seared scallops and my favorite thing to drink is the Spicy Mango Margarita.

What makes Momocho different than other places in the area?

The food, the drinks and the ambi-ance. You don’t find a place like this anywhere, not even in other cities. I’ve never been to a place like Momocho anywhere.

How have you seen Momocho grow in the past 4 years?

We have gotten a lot of national publicity, which has driven more busi-ness [for us], which I thought was impossible.

What is your favorite or best memory with customers?

So many. We have a lot of regulars, some of which I have become good friends with. I would have to say some of the best times are at our annual food truck anniversary party.

How long have you lived in Ohio City?

About a year and a half.

What do you hope never changes about Ohio City?

The diversity. You can find people of every age, race, creed and orienta-tion here, from young people just out of college, to older people who have lived here for 30 years. I hope that W. 25th
continues to flourish and stays acces-sible. I like that it’s local and low key. I don’t want it toturn into W. 6th - there is already a W. 6th.

Where is your favorite place in Ohio City?

Anywhere? I’d have to say the roof-top of my building. I live in the Federal Knitting Millsbuilding and the view of the city is amazing.

What is your favorite TV show?

Chelsea Lately
 

What is your favorite book?

Oh, it would have to be My Horizontal Life by Chelsea Lately.

What is your favorite movie?

Bridesmaids, I was going to say Sis-ter Act but if it’s going to be published… Sister Act 2: Back In the Habit is good, too. If you put any of those I’ll be fine.

What is your favorite catch phrase?

My favorite catch phrase is ‘Living the dream’, or ‘Namaste’. Right now, it would be Namaste.

What else would you like people to know about Momocho?

Great food at a great price, it’s a fun trendy place where you can come for something serious and also come to let loose. Some people call and are like ‘What’s the dress code?’ and I’m like, ‘Are you wearing clothes right now? You should be good.’

It’s safe to say that if Michael is an example of Momocho as a whole, you’ll
be in for a treat if you find yourself there. Just make sure to make a reservation on the weekends!

Momocho, a mod Mexican restau-rant and bar, is located at 1835 Fulton
Rd. Hours – Tues.-Sat. 5pm-close, Sun.
4pm-9:30pm, closed holidays.