THOMASINA MIERS, CO-FOUNDER OF WAHACA, IS EXCITED ABOUT THE EL BANDITO RESIDENCY. SHE EXPLAINED THAT A SHARED LOVE OF THE BEST IN MEXICAN FOOD AND DRINK HAD MOTIVATED THIS COLLABORATION.
Words: Jean Hill
It is a great opportunity to get into the party spirit with Mezcal, Tequila, creative cocktails, and beer even. Tequila is a regionally distilled alcohol made from the blue agave plant. It comes from the highlands of the central western Mexican state of Jalisco.ย It can take eight years for the agave plant to be ready for harvesting. Planting, tending, and harvesting the agave plant relies on centuries-old knowledge, passed down from generation to generation.
The El Bandito brand is the brainchild of business partners John Ennis and Matt Farrell. They have enjoyed great success with their Liverpool based bars, and a pop up in London. Their extensive knowledge of high quality spirits and talent for creative cocktails are their particular trademarks.
Happily, all this and great Mexican street food can be found in Wahaca, Liverpool ONE. It takes years of sunshine to perfect Tequila, and this is reflected in the cocktails created in the rooftop bar in Wahaca. It is a beautiful venue, quite industrial structure with glorious murals of Mexican life. It is chic, stylish decor. The roof-top terrace is a great space, with impressive views over Liverpool ONE. It would be the perfect romantic destination for cool autumn evenings. This is an inspired matching of talents. El Bandito supplies the agave spirit and Wahaca, the Mexican cuisine bar snacks.
A lightness of touch with the street food, makes for a subtle matching of flavours. I loved the nachos with Trealy farm chorizo, house salsa, melted cheese with avocado dressing. A cocktail apiece, nitro espresso martini and tequila old fashioned, and it is party central. The street food included sweet potato and feta taquito in a crisp blue corn tortilla. The croquetas, crispy duck and sweet potato balls with smoky hibiscus and chipotle salsa were divine. We had great fun, met some lovely people, and enjoyed the best of hospitality.
The residency is scheduled to last for three months. This takes us through the festive season, and hopefully beyond. El Bandito at Wahaco: Wednesday to Friday, 5pm โ 12am, and Saturday and Sunday 12pm โ 12am.
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