Popular Mexican haunt Los Vida, in Sydney’s Crows Nest, is launching a new bar inside the venue with a focus on all things agave spirits.
Set to premier on Wednesday, 23 March, La Cantina is a private bar set on the top floor and is modelled on the intimate Mexican drinking joints known famously as Cantinas.
Co-founders Octavio and Pablo were both born and raised ‘chilangos’ – Mexican slang for residents of Mexico City – and they’re passionate about spreading the “Mexican way of life”.
In keeping with the agave focus, the bar has an impressive tequila and mezcal collection alongside an exciting cocktail offering. And for those who want to go one step further, the bar has its tequila and mezcal sommelier on hand to guide customers through the drinks list. With the current interest in tequila and mezcal in Australia, the sommelier is well-versed in production process and stories behind the families that produce the spirits.
The bar will also offer a weekly “Mexican trio”, a hand-picked selection of artisan tequila and mezcal blends that are to be drunk according to a unique drinking ritual says Octavio.
“The cycle starts by sipping on your tequila or mezcal. It’s then followed by having a small bite from the orange wedge that accompanies the trio,” he says. “The wedge is finished with a cinnamon sparkle as the combination of these flavours expands the tasting notes of your tequila or mezcal. To wrap it up, sip on a cold beer or our house sangrita to freshen up your taste buds. This ritual is one that us Mexicans embrace to experience the full flavours of these magical spirits.”
The design of the bar mimics all the contrasts of Mexico itself with dim lighting, pink neons, dark interiors, street art and a tribute wall to Mexican boxing legends.
Along with fellow co-founder and director, Mark Dopson, the group now operates four venues and will be opening two new more venues this year, including their first interstate site in Melbourne.