Hola! Fellow Couturing compadres! It’s that time of the year again; time to dust off those ponchos and pull out the good tequila, because its El Grito tiiime! Mexican Independence Day is this Sunday the 16th of September. If you’re anything like me and love a good excuse to cook and eat copious amounts of food, mix up some margaritas and get drunk with your friends whilst wearing $2 shop moustaches and sombreros then this is indeed the celebration for you! If you’re looking for ways to celebrate then you’re in for a treat because we have compiled a list of the top five Mexican experiences to enjoy around Melbourne.
Forget the messy fish bowls at Taco Bill. This is all about authentic Mexican experiences and the real deal quality food Melbourne has to offer.
Trippy Taco located at 234 Gertrude St, Fitzroy. Trippy Taco is all about street-style food. Think quick, easy, delicious and extremely cheap! If you’re vegan, vegetarian or gluten intolerant, they’ve got you covered, with soy cheese and tofu tacos, they cater for everyone. They have everything from tacos, nachos, quesadillas, and burritos to the ultimate – chilli fries! (Sure, they’re not exactly Mexican, but they taste amazing). You might want to stock up on napkins before you get your meal though; thank me later! The atmosphere is quaint and relaxed, making the Mexican fiesta experience that much more enjoyable. The earthy, reddish tones and homely feel of the restaurant is sure to get anyone in the mood for a fiesta. Also, when it gets too cosy inside, it’s very fashionable to spill out onto the streets and eat in the gutter.
Next on the list is Senoritas, located at 16 Meyers Place, Melbourne CBD. This restaurant provides a contemporary twist to Mexican food. You might not need as many napkins here, as it is a bit more refined than Trippy Taco, but this place is as affordable and so wonderfully delicious! Meals average around the ten to fifteen dollar mark, and again is gluten free and vegetarian friendly. The restaurant itself is adorned in ‘Day of the Dead’ paintings, creating a hauntingly romantic ambience.
If you’re the type of person who wants to skip the food fiesta and head straight for the grog, then next up is Little Blood located on Level 1, 272 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy. If there’s going to be a classic, Mexican tequila stop, this is it. With numerous sombreros fixed onto the roof and single-man hammocks perfect for lazing on while you drink, the bar has the perfect appearance of a classic Mexican shack, and, of course, the bar’s own favourite kind of tequila – the Tequila Tromba. With friendly bar staff and a large array of elaborate cocktails and tequila-laced drinks to choose from, you and your friends will be well on your way to swigging straight from the bottle and dancing the Mexican hat dance.
Perhaps you and your friends are more of a DIY Mexican fiesta crew? Well Couturing have you covered for that too.
1. Head to a $2 shop to stock up on novelty Mexican items; such as ponchos, moustaches, sombreros, inflatable cactuses, candles and of course the Piñata!
2. For food, go to your local supermarket and put everything from the Mexican section into your trolley and don’t forget the alcohol!
3. Decorate your dinner table/kitchen/lounge area with vibrant colours and skulls. To create an even better vibe, why not YouTube some Mexican classics?
4. Eat until you’ve utterly lost your self-respect and you’ve managed to get more food on your poncho than in your mouth
5. 1 tequila, 2 tequila, 3 tequila, floor. Siesta, wake, and repeat.
But if all those options don’t tickle your fancy, you must head down to Federation Square this Sunday the 16th of September between 12pm-6pm where Masterchef babes, Ben Milbourne and winner Andy Allen, will be doing cooking demonstrations. It’s an excellent free event, not only that; there’ll be live music, Latin dance demonstrations, plus a traditional Mexican market with art and food, including sweet bread (pan de dulce), authentic lollies and snacks. Word on the street is there will even be a piñata or two for everyone to enjoy! So dress up and immerse yourself while Melbourne goes Mexican.
For more information on Federation Square’s Mexican Independence Day Festival, visithttp://www.fedsquare.com/events/mexican-independence-day-festival/
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