Rockpool Dining Group has joined forces with Patrón for its latest venture, a 90-seat Mexican bar and restaurant in Sydney’s Circular Quay.
Set to open on 7 March in the former Café Ananas site, Bar Patrón by Rockpool will serve up authentic Mexican fare and some of Patrón rarest tequilas.
Rockpool culinary director Neil Perry told Gourmet Traveller true Mexican food is hard to come by in Australia.
“I think it always ends up a little heavier than it should be,” he says. “Perhaps people don’t recognise the light, aromatic nature of many of the seasonings, and take a lot of shortcuts.”
Chef Pamela Valdes Pardo from Veracruz in Mexico will lead the kitchen, after having worked at Rosetta Sydney since its opening last year.
The menu will include tortilla chips made to order with salsas such as adobo, chiltomate and chile seco, as well as small and large plates including prawn and scallop aguachile, ceviche rojo and spicy pineapple salad.
While Perry assures there won’t be nachos on the menu, there will be tostadas, enchiladas, platters of grilled flathead or chicken and Mexican sandwiches for the lunch crowd.
Bar Patrón will offer a range of rare Patróns including Lalique Serie 2, of which there are just 299 bottles worldwide, and Platinum Patrón that will be used to make the Millionaire Margarita, available for $100.
The drinks menu will also feature a range of “barrel-select” tequilas that have been distilled exclusively for the restaurant, as well as international wines and craft beers.
Image credit: Gourmet Traveller