BROTHERLY LEGENDS
1492
The discovery of the so called New World, especially Mexico; by Columbus in 1492 had a significant impact on what the world would in the future cook and eat. Chillies, avocado, cocoa, tomatoes, beans, corn, potatoes, capsicum, peanuts, pineapple, squash, coffee, tapioca, pimento, turkey, vanilla and chocolate were all shipped back to Europe and have since become staple foods. Potatoes are synonymous with Irish cuisine and imagine Italian cuisine without tomatoes and of course the decadence of chocolate.
AVOCADOS
Avocados are a native of Mexico that have been cultivated as early as 8000 BC. To the ancient Aztecs the Avocado was a potent aphrodisiac. In fact, they were so convinced of its powers that during the Avocado season they locked up all of their virgins. With this in mind, think very carefully before you order one of our Avocado dishes or your evening might end up saucier than you expected!
CHILLI
There are over 250 varieties of chilli and most of them demand respect. Chillies and peppers are a native of Mexico and Central America and have had a large impact on shaping a number of the worlds cuisines. We use a lot of different chilli in our cooking; fresh, dried, roasted, smoked, brined, stuffed and always wickedly wonderful. This tasty treat got Spanish priests so hot under the collar that they banned it. And it's easy to see why. All of the pleasures of eating chillies have a certain sinful quality... Your heart starts pumping, your face flushes and your pores sweat. It's a passionate experience that leaves you panting for more. Hot, spicy and exotic! Everything you want in a night out.
CHOCOLATE
Chocolate, or rather the cocoa bean from which chocolate is extracted was the treasure of the Aztec Empire. It served as currency, much to the chagrin of the Spanish invaders who were in search of gold. It's rumoured that the famous Mexican ruler Montezuma drank fifty cups of hot chocolate, laced with a dash of chilli; each day. He believed it helped him better serve his harem, which contained a staggering 600 eager maidens. Mayans often took a handful of chocolate with them on a night of sexual adventure – which is probably why, today; we often save chocolate for dessert.
TEQUILA
Tequila the legend – Legend tells us that tequila arrived in a flash of divine inspiration. A group of tribesmen from the tequila tribe in Amatitlan, Jalisco Mexico witnessed a lone bolt of lightning strike an agave plant. The heat boiled the liquid inside and when the plant cooled down they tasted the nectar from the "pina" (the heart). They deemed it to be a miraculous gift from the gods.