Before relocating to Brisbane to helm the incredible riverside Cantonese restaurant Stanley, chef Louis Tikaram spent time working in LA and travelling to Mexico. On his adventures, he fostered a deep love for the flavours of Mexican food, from street corn to aguachile. Now the chef is channelling some of that adoration into La Mexicana – a brand-new pop-up taking over Citrus House at Howard Smith Wharves. The concept, which opens on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 4:00 pm, is looking to entice locals with a host of Mexican snacks and sips – the same kind of fare that seduced Louis on his travels.
La Mexicana’s concise menu will feature a greatest-hits list of street eats, from spiced tortilla chips (best consumed with a heaped piled of guacamole) to elote, which is street corn topped with queso fresco, chilli, cilantro and lime. Larger options include the kingfish aguachile with jalapeño, cucumber and red onion, and the hearty lamb barbacoa served with Spanish rice and salsa de árbol. Diners can also order some watermelon with tajin and lime for a refreshing finish. A Mexican-inspired pop-up wouldn’t be worthwhile if it didn’t serve a few drinks as well – La Mexicana is stocked with a range of tequilas and mezcals, with the classic margarita taking centre stage, naturally.
La Mexicana debuts today, Friday February 26. The menu will likely change often, to be sure to check in regularly to taste a different side of Mexico.
