Recently I was invited to the VIP opening of Pablo Picante in Dublin's City Centre. A short trip on from the Dublin City Bus and a brisk walk through town always excite me. But there was more reason for an extra pep in my step. Yes, the free food and drink of course. But not just that.
Dublin is growing and the tourism is high as ever. Dublin is famous for so many reasons and one is most certainly the food scene. I love a good Mexican meal and have missed being spoiled for choice since moving here. I am thrilled more restaurants are opening up, and even more thrilled "The Spirit of Mexico" Culture Week kicked off with such a positive start last night.
On Clarendon Market Street you're within the heart of City Centre, yet tucked away from the traffic and hustle of moving crowds. This restaurants is colorful and charming. This is more of a takeaway and food truck style spot to eat with burritos, tacos, and tortas all made fresh to order. It's the usual scene for the 'fixings', including 100% Irish beef. Delicioso, my friends. Mmmmmmmm.
What gives this place a splash though is their sauces assortment. You've got the picantes, guacs, and heat factors on the line up. But there's greater variety with garlic, lemon, cumin, chile, and even cinnamon- WAT. I still prefer to make my own sauces at home, but if you're at Pablo Picante and there's the line up, I don't think you'll be disappointed.
I tried Sol (a bottled Mexican beer available) with lime for the first time and liked how it complimented my meal. It's a bit salty, but still refreshing and smooth to the palate.
Once the meals were finished, there was going to be a simple cooking class, but a last minute change was the highlight of the night.
Because of the week long event celebrating Mexican Culture, a gentleman named Sergio has been flown over specially from Mexico to Ireland for Mescal tasting and purchasing. Mescal and tequila are new to these parts and we are all happy to welcome the release! The Mexican Embassy surely sent one of their finest, because Sergio was a lovely host, entertainer & connoisseur.
Sergio playfully explained that if you pucker before you sip a spirit like these, then the saliva will help dilute the liquid and enable your 'buds' to taste the flavor. This may or may not be true actually, but it did help me not to get the all mighty cringe and fire feeling like I usually do. He joked that we ought not to 'shoot' or over indulge in these fine spirits, but instead to take as a lover and savor. Clearly this man was gas. He offered up a gorgeous tasting Mexican chocolate at the end of our night and the dark chocolate truffle was my favorite of the night.
If you're around Dublin this week, definitely look for Sergio and peruse the Taste of Mexico exhibition. When you come for a visit to Dublin and you're hungry for a quick and fresh meal, then look for Pablo Picante.
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And as if I need an excuse to break out my new 'good stuff' (Mezcal Jaral de Berrio; 100% AGAVE), I shall raise a glass indeed to my dear friend, Krystle, today. Happy Birthday! And many more!
Until next time!
Cheers,
M
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