The Bar at Mixtli: A New Culinary Experience
The Bar at Mixtli offers a whimsical dining experience, set under a glowing neon forecast proclaiming, “Cloudy with a chance of mezcal.” Guests are treated to a vibrant menu featuring small plates that blend avant-garde influences with a casual atmosphere.
Diverse Offerings at the Bar
On the tables, one can find delightful creations such as the octopus taco, made with a spinach tortilla and topped with sweet potato puree, seed brittle, and marigold flowers. Another offering includes a French-inspired scallop served on a half shell, garnished with warm butter, capers, and chives.
Located adjacent to the celebrated Mixtli dining room, The Bar specializes in a unique selection of cocktails and bites priced affordably between $4 and $12, with no reservations required.
Utilizing Every Ingredient
Chef de cuisine Alex Cabrera emphasizes sustainability by incorporating unused kitchen ingredients into the bar menu, transforming scraps into visually stunning dishes. For example, the bar serves a vibrant tostada de suadero featuring a delectable mix of black beans, caramelized onions, suadero, guajillo salsa, and cilantro, all layered on a blue corn tostada. “With fine dining comes a lot of scraps,” Cabrera noted, highlighting their commitment to using diverse components from the kitchen.
Recent Accolades and Future Prospects
Mixtli has garnered high praise, recently earning a five-diamond rating from the American Automobile Association and a Michelin star. Co-owner Rico Torres expressed his hopes for future recognition, stating, “I try not to think about it too much…what matters is the guest and the guest experience for that night.”
A Focus on Creative Cocktails
Under the direction of bar director Lauren Beckman, the cocktail menu is designed to change with the seasons. Signature drinks include the Magdalena’s Kitchen, a smoky blend of mezcal, poblano, caramelized onion, and lime, as well as the classic House Mixtli Margarita featuring blanco tequila and clarified lime juice. Beckman also prioritizes non-alcoholic selections, such as the colorful El Desafío mocktail made with pickled cherry, lavender, and sage.
A Unique Ambiance
The bar’s interior design features captivating, color-changing clouds that create an ethereal atmosphere, inviting guests to experience a different vibe from the formal dining area. The decor pays homage to the meaning of “Mixtli,” which translates to “cloud” in Nahuatl, the language of the Aztecs.
Conclusion
As Mixtli continues to evolve, the bar serves as a reflection of its mission to share the beauty and complexity of Mexican cuisine. With expertly crafted cocktails and innovative dishes, The Bar at Mixtli is making a name for itself as a must-visit culinary destination, one delightful bite at a time.
