After a decade in action, Atticus Hospitality has closed its Paddington mainstay Tequila Mockingbird to make way for South American restaurant Tqm.
Tqm. will be led by Venezuelan Michelin-rated chef Jose Garcia, who moved to Sydney from Buenos Aires for the venture.
Garcia left a position at Fogón Asado, which appeared in the Michelin Guide 2024 and 2025, and is rated number 36 by the World’s Best Steak Restaurants.
The chef says his inspiration comes from his past experiences, his favourite chefs, and from his Latin and family roots.
“Every time I have the chance to highlight something my mom or grandmother taught me; I try to do it. Since I was kid, I’ve loved cooking, eating, and being in the kitchen,” says Garcia. “From the age of 13 years, I knew I wanted to be a chef. And when I started studying, one of my goals was to be part of the group of chefs who have worked to showcase and elevate Venezuelan cuisine and flavours around the world.”
Owner Michael Fegent says that when he opened Tequila Mockingbird almost a decade ago, he drew on experience garnered while travelling in South America.
“Over the course of many trips, where I visited 30+ local restaurants, Jose’s restaurant Fogón Asado was the absolute standout. I’ve never experienced anything like it before or since and striking up a friendship with Jose during my visit the conversation started about getting him over to Australia,” says Fegent.
“I wanted to bring back the same passion and excitement I’d had opening Tequila Mockingbird ten years ago and I knew Jose was the right person to help me do that.”
Taking inspiration from his childhood, Garcia’s menu features family favourites like XO prawns rice, which nods to his mum’s love of seafood, and fried green plantain with smoked fish – a classic dish fried on Venezuelan beaches. Additionally, Garcia’s dad’s love of grilled blood sausage which they ate together on road trips inspired the blood sausage croquette.
Group Bar Executive Mark Crawford, who was part of Tequila Mockingbird’s opening team, has developed a new cocktail menu, featuring the ‘Grande Chartreuse Colada’ (with chartreuse, Bacardi, pineapple, and coconut), and ‘The Mist’ (El Tequileno Cristalino, Aguas Mansas Espadin, Vermut Flores Blanco, agave, and mint tincture).
In homage to Tequila Mockingbird, the signature margarita will remain on the menu.
The restaurant will open on 8 May.
