Cajun-fusion cuisine and a Mexican eatery come to Emeryville Public Market

Two new restaurants recently landed in the Public Market Emeryville, an ever-changing food court in the tiny but intriguing city.

Mamacita Cocina Mexicana opened in December at a corner stall inside the market, located at 5959 Shellmound St. Mamacita describes itself as a “fast-paced Mexican eatery inspired by the vibrant flavors of Mexico and the fresh, local ingredients of California.” It is run by the people behind Papito, a restaurant in San Francisco’s Potrero Hill neighborhood that cooks organic Mexican cuisine.

The food at Mamacita is influenced by that of the state of Oaxaca, so diners can expect lots of slow-cooked meats and earthy moles. There are staples like tortas and tacos – fillings include carnitas, al pastor, chorizo or potatoes — as well as enchiladas in verde and roja forms. The salsas and seasonal agua frescas are made in-house, and the handmade tortillas come from longtime San Francisco “Mexicatessen” La Palma.

Also debuting last winter was Tease Southern Kitchen, which is a Cajun-fusion operation and follows the motto of “Southern flavor. Serious execution.” Tease’s original outpost is in Antioch, and until recently, it operated one in Oakland; its menu is all about comfort food that leans into the fried, smoked and boldly seasoned.

Tease cooks up classic fried chicken and Nashville hot-honey chicken sandwiches, which diners can pair with garlic noodles or several kinds of mac-‘n’-cheese (smokey bacon, Buffalo chicken, lobster, the decadent-sounding spicy sausage and shrimp). There are po’ boys and platters of prawns or Cajun fish, deep-fried or blackened. A huge “T-Rex” smoked turkey leg is a specialty, and there’s also “Rasta Pasta” with spicy-jerk Alfredo and smoked chicken or grilled veggies.

Lemonade’s something of a Southern specialty, and Tease has that as well. There are reportedly 17 different flavors of lemonade, which are made frozen and dyed with flavors like blue raspberry and watermelon.

Details: For info on each restaurant, visit teasesouthernkitchenemeryville.com and yelp.com/biz/mamacita-emeryville-2.