Category: MEXICAN FOOD

Cinco de Mayo in Sydney: The Lansdowne and The Happy Mexican Fiesta

Mexican food people

Get ready to spice up your Cinco de Mayo festivities, Sydney! This year, The Lansdowne, a beloved city staple since the roaring ’20s, is flipping the script from its usual brews to an explosion of margarita madness, blending its historic allure with a twist of fresh excitement. What’s more exhilarating is the arrival of Melbourne’s culinary sensation, The Happy Mexican, making its grand debut at the iconic Lansdowne Hotel to sprinkle some authentic Mexican fiesta into your celebrations. Launching the party vibes early in April, and leading into the Cinco de Mayo spirit, The Happy Mexican will be dishing out irresistible $2 tacos every evening from 5-6pm. Yes, you heard it right – it’s a taco fiesta, and everyone’s invited, no RSVPs required! Brace yourselves for a lineup of tantalizing flavors, from succulent roasted chicken breast and zesty marinated pork to crispy beer-battered fish and the show-stopping slow-cooked beef birria tacos. Vegetarian delights like Calabacitas and Nopales aren’t forgotten, ensuring a plate for every preference. Behind this culinary revolution is the genius, Julian Romero, and head chef Jesus Rios, a maestro of Mexican cuisine from Mexico City, bringing over twenty years of experience to dazzle Sydney’s adventurous palates. “We’re thrilled to serve up a spectrum of unique, authentic flavors right from the heart of Mexico to Chippendale,” says Rios. With legendary dishes like Quesabirrias and a diverse menu catering to all dietary needs, The Happy Mexican promises an unforgettable dining experience. But what’s a fiesta without drinks to toast? The Lansdowne’s drink menu is equally… Read More

Where to have a Mexican fiesta in Sydney

White people eat

It’s that time of the year again, where the flavours of Mexico descend upon us with an exuberance that can only be found at SoCal’s Taco & Tequila Fiesta! This year, we’re turning the heat up with a lineup of events that promise not just a taste, but a full immersion into the vibrant Mexican culture. From the toe-tapping tunes of a live Mariachi band to the adrenaline-pumping chilli eating contest, we’re serving excitement on a platter! Cinco De Mayo Launch Party – The Ultimate Sunday Session Mark your calendars for May 5th because we’re kicking off the festivities with a bang! Immerse yourself in the ultimate party atmosphere as we transform our space to celebrate Cinco De Mayo. Enjoy live music, $15 margaritas, and tacos that will have you coming back for more. The fun starts at 1 pm with an acoustic duo and ramps up with a DJ and a surprise Mariachi band performance. Trust us; you don’t want to miss this! Find out more about the Cinco De Mayo Party Taste of Mexico, Dinner & A Show – A Culinary Journey On Thursday 9th & Thursday 23rd May, join us for a special evening that whisks you away to the heart of Mexico. Prepare to be mesmerized by a live Mexican dancing show while indulging in a sumptuous feast curated by our Head Chef Joel Doyle. At $79 per person, including a starter, main, side, and dessert – plus a welcoming margarita – it’s an experience that marries flavor with culture. Book… Read More

Mexican in Sydney at Sydney’s Lansdowne Hotel

Mexican food

Sydney’s culinary scene is about to get hotter with The Happy Mexican making its much-anticipated debut at the iconic Lansdowne Hotel. Known for bringing the authentic taste of Mexico to Melbourne, The Happy Mexican is ready to sprinkle some of that magic in Sydney. And what better way to start than with a bang? In an unprecedented move, they’re giving away 500 free tacos and tequila shots in April to celebrate their grand opening. Yes, you heard it right – a free taco and tequila fiesta, and everyone’s invited! View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Lansdowne Hotel (@thelansdowne) Since opening its doors in the 1920s, The Lansdowne has become a staple of Sydney nightlife, cherished for its historic charm and rock and roll spirit. Now, it’s adding a fresh twist by swapping its usual beers for margaritas, courtesy of The Happy Mexican. Beginning April 10th, Sydneysiders can pop into the newly revitalized space to indulge in mouth-watering free tacos that promise to make their taste buds dance, paired of course with that essential shot of tequila to kick start the fiesta vibes. But the generosity doesn’t end there. The Happy Mexican will continue the fiesta throughout April with a $2 taco happy hour from 5-6 pm every evening, starting on the 3rd. The menu boasts an array of tantalizing flavors, from juicy roasted chicken breast and zesty marinated pork, to crispy beer-battered fish, and their signature blockbuster, slow-cooked beef birria tacos. And for those seeking something a little different, they’ve got… Read More

Mad Mex is now doing steak

Naked burrito bowl

Mad Mex has set a new benchmark for authentic Mexican cuisine in Australia with the launch of its Carne Asada dish, blending tradition with the fast-paced world of fast-casual dining. This initiative, debuting on March 18, 2024, signifies more than just the addition of premium, pasture-raised skirt steak to its already vibrant menu. It’s an embodiment of Mexican culture’s rich culinary heritage, brought to life in a format that’s both affordable and accessible to its diverse Australian clientele. The Carne Asada offering at Mad Mex isn’t just about serving grilled steak; it’s about delivering an authentic Mexican experience. The skirt steak, preferred for its flavor and tradition in Mexican cuisine, undergoes a rigorous marination process in a bespoke blend of citrus and spices, mirroring the practices of the best Mexican taquerias. This meticulous preparation process, spanning six months of development, underscores Mad Mex’s commitment to authenticity and quality, while still aligning with their mission of offering healthier fast food options. Founded on the principle that Mexican food should be as nourishing as it is flavorful, Mad Mex differentiates itself by offering fully customizable meals that cater to various dietary preferences, including vegan, gluten-free, and vegetarian options. This approach not only caters to the growing demand for healthier eating options but also emphasizes the brand’s inclusive ethos, ensuring there’s something for everyone. The limited-time offer of Carne Asada in Mad Mex restaurants, on delivery, and via the Mad Mex app, starting from March 18, 2024, presents a unique opportunity for Australians to indulge in a premium… Read More

Frozen margs, Ritacolada at El Camino

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Tex Mex wild child El Camino Cantina is at it again, bringing the biggest and most audacious Margaritas to Australia. This time, they have launched a new limited-edition frozen drinks range: the Ritacolada! ?? For five weeks only, from January 8th until February 11th, experience the refreshing fusion of El Camino’s legendary frozen Ritas and the tropical coconut notes of the Pina Colada. Say goodbye to choosing between these classic cocktails because now you can have the best of both worlds in one glass! ??? Giles Adolphus, El Camino Cantina Food & Beverage Director, said, “We’re also serving up some exciting new taco and wing flavors to pair with our Ritacolada range, creating a trifecta of bold, new Tex-Mex menu items for the remaining weeks of summer.” So get ready to indulge in a Tex-Mex feast like no other! ?? The Ritacolada range features nine fantastic flavors, each more delicious than the last. From Loco Berry (Blueberry and Coconut) to Strawberry Bash (Strawberry Coconut), there’s something for everyone to enjoy. ?? You can find this mouthwatering line-up at all El Camino Cantina locations across the country. Whether you’re in Sydney, Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, the Gold Coast, or Melbourne, you’re just a sip away from paradise. The Rocks, Surfers Paradise, South Bank, and Fitzroy offer all nine flavors, while other venues rotate between them, ensuring you always have a delightful selection to choose from. ??? To make this summer even cooler, El Camino Cantina is also introducing five new taco and wing flavors, available on… Read More

Patrón is shouting Sydney-siders 10,000 caviar bumps with their next tequila cocktail

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If you thought tequila was tasty enough, try elevating it with a bump of caviar. Yes, you read that right! To celebrate the fast approach of summer and the launch of the world’s first quadruple-distilled prestige tequila PATRÓN EL CIELO, Patrón has teamed up with some of Sydney’s coolest Mexican bars and restaurants to give away 10,000 luxe Umai Heritage caviar bumps with every PATRÓN EL CIELO cocktail from a limited-edition menu. Naturally we had to sample this from our favourite tequila-joint, Taqiza (who have a new home in Bondi that is even prettier than the first on!). Trying the PATRÓN EL CIELO on the rocks was a heady, smooth and sweet experience, that was only heightened by the saltiness of the caviar. The perfect pairing nobody knows about, but now we can’t stop thinking of. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Milpa Collective (@milpa.collective) If straight tequila isn’t your jam (no matter how smooth), there are also two delicious PATRÓN EL CIELO cocktails on the menu: If you want to live the luxe life and experience the new release from Patrón with some caviar, you can do so for a limited time from the following Milpa Collective Mexican venues:

Experience plant-based Peruvian at Calle Rey

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Whether you’re vegan full time, or just looking to mix it up and eat a bit less meat, everyone should be heading straight to Calle Rey in Newton for divine plant-based food (seriously, check out their Instagram). The menu is a real fusion, think mainly Peruvian, elements of Mexican and wait for it, Japanese! We visited recently and are here to share the menu highlights! First of all, Calle Rey also houses the Diablo Pisco Bar, which is open late Fridays and Saturdays, however that means there is always pisco available behind the bar! If you’ve never tried a Pisco Sour, this is the place to get one. Not only are they expertly made, but there’s a tasting paddle which means you can try a few flavours! You may be wondering how a pisco sour is made with no egg whites, well that’s the bartenders secret but we have a sneaky suspicion that the plant based foamer is aqua faba. Not a pisco fan? There’s also a margarita tasting paddle *wink wink* We tried plenty on the menu thanks to the set tasting menus. There are two to choose from, a classic one, or a Japanese one. We opted for the classic as we’re big fans of Mexican cuisine and wanted to see how Peruvian came to life. We weren’t disappointed! The jackfruit ‘chicken’ nachos were HUGE and then we still had charred corn, two tacos (you got to choose the flavours too, don’t miss the eggplant!) and the real stand out: the buffalo cauliflower…. Read More

The best places to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Sydney based on your vibe

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Cinco de Mayo, AKA 5th of May, is an annual celebration that’s all about tacos and tequila… or is it? The date actually commemorates the 1862 anniversary of Mexico’s victory over the Second French Empire at the Battle of Puebla, led by the famous General, General Ignacio Zaragoza. The events of that battle became an important stepping stone for Mexican Independence (although worth noting it is not Mexico’s Independence Day). Now the occasion is celebrated in a more American-Mexican fashion and yes, tequila and tacos are part of it as people across the globe enjoy what makes Mexican culture so colourful, flavoursome and fiesta-worthy. If you’re looking to taste the spice and all things nice, here are the best spots to dine in Sydney depending on your vibe. Also generally, dinner out makes for a great gift idea. Budget – Guzman Y Gomez Fast food has never been more clean, Guzman Y Gomez (GYG) pride themselves on serving quick Mexican inspired food that is free from preservatives and artificial colours and flavours. Perhaps not super traditional, but very easy on your wallet! Located all over Sydney! Group Dining – El Camino Cantina This legendary Tex-Mex group dining establishment will bring big energy to your Cinco de Mayo celebrations. With a few locations across Sydney, including The Rocks, and their GIANT margaritas, we suggest leaving the car at home ;). Highest Rated – Mejico Mejico is the top rated Mexican restaurant in Sydney for a reason. Fresh, modern and authentic, the team have nailed every dish… Read More

Spice up your life with this Smiths Chips and Mad Mex Collab

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The genius brains at Mad Mex have taken their collab with Smiths a step further: meet the limited edition Double Crunch Hot Sauce Nachos! The people couldn’t get enough of the Smith’s x Mad Mex Hot Sauce Chips, so Mad Mex has turned up the heat (literally, we tried them and they’re SPICY!) on their Smith’s collaboration with limited edition menu item, Double Crunch Hot Sauce Nachos, served as a fiery alternative to corn chips with the Smith’s x Mad Mex Hot Sauce chips. It’s a unique twist that definitely adds crunch and heat (get the gauc!), and if you’ve never tried chips AKA crisps as your nacho base, this is your sign to give it a try. Perhaps the best part is you can choose from a range of toppings including chicken, beef, pork and vegetarian. Get your hot little hands on them at all Mad Mex stores until 20 March 2023.

Italy meets Mexico at Giorgio de Maria’s wine takeover of Sonora

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In case you missed it, Italian wine and delicious Mexican food have made a marriage at Sonora this month. Prominent wine connoisseur Giorgio de Maria is taking over the wine menu at Milpa Collective’s Potts Point venue, Sonora for the entire month of October. Highlighting the fusion between Italian wines and Mexican cuisine, de Maria has selected a curated range of tipples from bubbles, to whites, reds and even digestives, with by the glass available and full bottles ranging from $80-140. Key menu highlights include La Morella II Monte 2020 as a white wine option, Le Coste Litzorro Rosato 2020 as a Rosé option and Camigliano Nero del Gobbo 2020 as a red wine option. Our personal favourite (and acknowledged bougie choice) was the Alice Bonaccorsi Etna Rosso 2016, which paired up beautifully with Sonora’s signature BBQ Eggplant.  The best part is that this collab goes both ways, with Milpa Collective lending its expertise in the world of mezcal and spirits to de Maria’s venue Paski Vineria Popolare, with The Messicano cocktail. The Messicano is a Culatta infused (cured ham from Parma) mezcal, with luli aperitivo, soda and Paski’s own fermented green sauce, and it’s exclusively available at Paski Vineria Popolare during October.  We love to see hospitality thriving as life returns to normal, and we especially love seeing two iconic places team up to create fresh, innovative menu items together. Hurry! These collaborations are only available until the end of the month. Bookings are essential.