I’ve been meaning to post about the Tequila Kitchen for a couple of weeks now, and in the meantime, instead of posting, I keep going back and eating there again. So I’ve had a few things from the menu…especially from the fantastic margarita list. Allow me to elaborate.
My first visit was at lunch, so I hadn’t anticipated dipping into the tequila and instead ordered the Special Lunch Platter (pictured) which is an utter feast. Guacamole and Salsa arrive with some chips for dipping and a small green salad with tangy citrus dressing. That spread of zing and spice gets your palate warmed up and thinking of Mexico and primed for the second course; a crispy chicken tostada, two pulled pork tacos in a spicy sauce, 2 poblano chili tacos topped with corn and onions and a nod to traditional Mexican rice and beans.
We were stuffed and happily sated but my crush on this place fully blossomed when our waiter, hearing my chagrin at our tequila-less meal, brought over a hand-muddled cucumber and serrano margarita on the house. Even given the rule that free drinks are automatically tastier than any other ones, this was still the best margarita I’ve had in a long time. Possibly the best one ever outside of Latin America. I don’t have much of a taste for sweet, syrupy cocktails, so the freshness of the ingredients, the mild taste of the cucumber punched up with the spice of the peppers and the quality of the tequila all make this a winner.
The only liquor served at the Tequila Kitchen is tequila, so you can be sure it’s done right. And after the cucumber serrano margarita, I knew I needed to go back and sample the other flavours. Hibiscus Rose (handmade hibiscus syrup and rose water) was the choice on a subsequent visit, followed by several Watermelon margaritas on another summer evening. Both were delicious, and while clearly sweeter than the cucumber, not even close to cloying.
Most of the responses I’ve heard about the Tequila Kitchen is that it’s not as authentic as Salsa & Agave around the block, but so what? It’s a fun and sophisticated place in the midst of Yaletown’s frippery, the service is impeccable and I for one will certainly be back. Often.
UPDATE: Tequila Kitchen is now closed.
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Tequila Kitchen
1043 Mainland Street, Vancouver
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3 responses so far ↓
Jason // July 3, 2008 at 11:27 PM |
sounds so good. how much does that lunch feast cost?
Raul // July 4, 2008 at 4:54 AM |
@ Jason – Lunch can be less than $30 for two people, depending on what you order.
@ Degan – I have reviewed both restaurants on my blog, and funny how it goes, I go back to Salsa and Agave. But I was specifically asked NOT to praise them so much because there could be a conflict with TK.
Nothing further from the truth, I think. I also know the owners of TK, and they are amazing, and their food is very authentic. As I mentioned on my blog, they cater to different crowds and there is always space for more excellent Mexican food. Both places are really great, and I have no problems endorsing them both.
Happy Hour: Las Margaritas « Ethnic Eats - Sampling the World’s Cuisine Without Ever Leaving Town // July 4, 2008 at 8:43 PM |
[...] summer, even considering that I will have to rotate heavily with the hand-muddled selections at the Tequila Kitchen. I shouldn’t even have brought the TK margaritas in here, because there is no way their [...]