Authentic mexican cuisine, which goes way beyond a classic burrito or guacamole, is becoming increasingly popular in London, finally gaining the place it deserves in the market of the British capital. Mexico has been an exciting culinary destination for several years, thanks to the recognition of mexican gastronomy as an example of ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity’ as promoted by UNESCO. Thanks also should go to restaurants such as Pujol (chef, Enrique Olvera) and Quintonil (chef Jorge Vallejo), both found on the prestigious Pellegrino list of The World’s 50 best Restaurants. They define the contemporary vision of mexican ‘culinary art’.
Cantina Laredo has been putting forward a modern interpretation of mexican cuisine for six years, a modern sophisticated approach, paying particular attention not only to techniques but especially to the ingredients used, not only from the point of view of their authenticity and traditionality, but also for their quality and freshness. It is an interesting concept, very up-to-date with culinary trends in Mexico; this restaurant has thus managed to establish a recognised position on London’s culinary map.
Its menu offers a great option of dishes, some with a very classical flavour, but with an upscale modern twist, such as: guacamole (prepared at the table in a molcajete in front of the guest), chicken quesadillas, mushroom quesadillas (both made with blue corn tortillas), tacos dorados, duck tacos with mole, pork belly tacos with tomatillo salsa, mini tortas de carnitas. Other offerings with more sophisticated taste include: chicharrón de calamar, arrachera skewers (cooked sous vide and chargrilled afterwards), yellowtail tiradito with a jícama, radish and cucumber salad, aubergine tostada with green habanero mayonnaise, jumbo prawn with achiote and guajillo chilli.
The selection of side dishes, prepared with loads of attention to detail in terms of presentation and combination, invites the diner to discover some delightful creations like: creamy potatoes with ancho chilli, black beans with queso fresco, classic red rice or esquites with slightly charred flavour.
On the desserts menu you can find traditional churros, freshly made and light as a feather, chocolate and pecan brownie, and above all, a spectacular hibiscus cheesecake with guava sorbet.
Cantina Laredo is an exceptional choice for those who search for authentic modern mexican cuisine, either to broaden their own culinary horizons and to delight their palates, or to come back to those homely flavours left behind on their way. If you happen to be in London I would like to invite you to visit Cantina Laredo (the restaurant is located at 10 Upper St Martin’s Lane, Covent Garden, London).
Its hosts, Shaun, Ryan, Dean and Tarryn Ginsberg, are very enthusiastic about the mexican cuisine, taking care of every aspect of their menu. Each of its elements is there for a reason, giving as a result, a well- balanced offering, which puts to one side the stereotypical perceptions of mexicanness.
If not for the typical English weather, grey and rainy on the day of my visit to Covent Garden, I could have easily imagined being in one of the fine dining restaurants in Polanco or Condesa -my avocado and passion fruit margarita left me dreaming of the Mexican Caribbean.
¿Where?
10 Upper St Martin’s Lane, St Martin’s Courtyard,
Londres, WC2H 9FB
By: Beniamin Chalupinski
Complimentary photos
