MAO Latin Dining, Paddington, announces permanent closure
A popular Brisbane restaurant, known for its mix of Latin flavours and seasonal Australian ingredients, has announced its permanent closure — for the most unusual of reasons.
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A popular Brisbane restaurant, known for its mix of Latin flavours and seasonal Australian ingredients, has announced its permanent closure, but it’s actually good news for its owners.
Owners of MAO Latin Dining in Paddington took to social media to announce the shock closure.
Paula Torres and her husband, chef Eduardo Obando, opened MAO Latin Dining about 18 months ago.
“It is with a heavy heart that we tell you MAO Latin Dining will be closing permanently mid July,” the couple said.
“We want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to each of you who has been constantly supporting us during this incredible journey.
“As many of you know, our small family of two recently had a new addition who has brought a lot of happiness and love to our lives.
“As new parents far away from our native home, we want to share and enjoy together as much as we can all those unit moments our little one has prepared for us.”
The couple shared a picture of their baby, now six months old, at Christmas last year.
“Words are not enough to express our massive gratitude to all our beloved customers who fulfil our little restaurant with love, smiles and good wishes to our family,” they said.
“We will never forget all the support, presents and expressions of love to us since our little Samuel was growing in mommy’s tummy.
“You guys made our days much easier and encouraged us to continue every day with our challenge of being new parents and business owner; this meant the world to us.
“Once again a heartfelt thank you from the bottom of our hearts to the amazing Paddington and surrounding community and our regular customers who kept us busy during this couple of years, we couldn’t have done it without you.”
Despite announcing it as a permanent closure, they said in a few years they may open up another cafe in Brisbane.
“A piece of our hearts will be always here in Paddington with all of you and all the incredible memories we’ve created together will always be with us; you made our journey unforgettable,” they said.
“We may bid farewell, but at the same time we are feeling a strong hunch that will see you all soon. ️
“Hopefully we can reopen in a couple of years when we feel ready again.”
Ms Torres said she could now reveal the couple had plans to join a new venture just north of Brisbane.
“It was just too much running our own restaurant with a baby but my husband will be joining a Redcliffe restaurant as head chef soon,” she said.
“This will give him more time at home.
“He was feeling like he was missing out on our baby’s life and big moments.
“We may reopen this place in three years too if we don’t have another baby. Nothing is official.”
Loyal customers and Paddington locals took to social media to share their sadness at the announcement.
Dianna Cavallaro said it was “one of our favourite restaurants in Brisbane”.
Stuart Walker said it was really sad.
“We’ve always loved your food and big smiles,” he said.
“Best of luck for the future and we’ll definitely see you again before you shut up shop.”
“So sad to read this, though totally appreciating the reasons,” Alessia Anibaldi said.
“Your amazing Latin food, drinks and cultural touch will be greatly missed.
“I hope you open up another magical place again soon. All the best.”
Claire Morbear said it was “sad for Paddington”.
“Your food and service is amazing,” she said.
“Adios I guess then to my fave Margaritas as well.”
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