By James Wilkinson
At Sydney’s latest taco spot, Agave, the tequila was flowing like water last night (Sep 16) as the hip new restaurant celebrated Mexico’s Independence Day.
Inside Agave on Crown Street, Surry Hills
With a live mariachi band, an 8-course degustation menu, jugs of sangria and shots of tequila, the celebration proved to be one of the most popular nights so far in the 90-seat restaurant’s three-month history.
But while the Independence Day celebrations are a one-off annual event, Agave’s owner Gerardo Macip-Lanzagorta said the venue can put on bands, special degustation menus and unique cocktails for event launches and parties this coming Christmas season.
He said what event planners will find when they try the menu is Mexican that’s unique and not tacky.
“Authentic Mexican isn’t about nachos and burritos – that’s a Tex-Mex myth,” he said.
“Spices should be monitored and flavours should be controlled for the true Mexican eating experience… think fresh coriander, juicy limes and oodles of different chillies,” Macip-Lanzagorta said.
A strawberry margarita at Agave
Agave – which can also hold up to 130 people standing for cocktail events – has an excellent selection of both appetisers and mains. Dishes, such as pan fried octopus with garlic, are designed to be shared and are a good size for the price.
“For some reason, Sydney has a concept of Mexican food being cheap and nasty food out of the bain-marie,” Macip-Lanzagorta said.
“I want to show that traditionally our food is fresh and the flavours are subtle – it doesn’t have to always be mouth-numbingly spicy,” he said.
The cocktail menu is highlighted by the margaritas, both on the rocks and frozen. While frozen margaritas may have gone out of fashion in recent years, this summer they will be firmly back on the cool list of drinks and at Agave, they come in three kinds – lemon, strawberry and hibiscus.
Macip-Lanzagorta said he has taken a number of bookings for the upcoming Christmas season and is positive the ‘full house’ sign will be up on a number of nights this December.
Agave is located at 2/410 Crown Street, Surry Hills. For bookings, phone 02 9326 9072.
