Cuervo Fiesta Mexicano at Cafe Pacifico

The word fiesta instantly conjures images of Mexico - saucy dancing, salsa laden cuisine, and salt rimmed tequila based cocktails.  A city that can’t resist a party, the Sydney scene has recently seen an outbreak of all things Mexican with new Mexican cantinas, themed bars and cuisine popping up everywhere.  Pubs such as The Norfolk are featuring tacos on their menu (even if they are korean meatball flavour), while chains such as Guzman y Gomez are exploding into foodcourts all around town.  While hot newbies such as Barrio Chino and El Loco are drawing crowds, we would be remiss to forget where it all started in 1997; Café Pacifico.

Olivia Guest, Donna Freak, Alex Adams (Ms Darlinghurst) & their donkey

With over 90 tequilas on their menu, Café Pacifico is the logical host for Cuervo’s Fiesta Mexicano on 13 September as part of BarShow Week 2011.  Cuervo’s master blenders, Don Francisco Hajnal and Phil Bayly, swizzle drinks, blend agave syrup and twirl bottles for a crowd wearing hipster hats that I suspect will reappear in force on Bondi’s grassy knoll this summer.

Donna Freak (Secret Foodies) & Daniella Alhadeff (lifeafterfive*)

Pinatas hang from the ceiling, blow up donkeys lose their tails while maracas are shaken in time with the latino music.  Traditional margueritas on the rocks with agave syrup is my drink of choice, with braver (it’s a school night!) souls opting for the Anejo ‘Old Fashioned’ marguerita concoction.  There are Batangos (as discovered at the Schweppes Elixir launch), another drink that resembles a latino Bloody Mary (tomato juice anyone?) and quality tequila shots are handed out like canapés.

The food lives up to all cheesy, spicy expectations, with delicious mini quesadillas of all varieties in abundance, corn fritter balls and cerviches making an appearance and ensuring  stomachs are lined.

With colourful streamers cascading over the crowd, the bartender performing his moves from the tabletop and the bar fraternity out in force, Café Pacifico and Jose Cuervo are proving that they’re ready to lead Sydney’s charge to Latin America.  Grab a donkey, plant a cactus and get your maracas ready for a fiesta near you.

Pinatas waiting to be opened

A happy Mexican