jhb Archives | SPRUCE

As you can imagine, it is fairly difficult to decline an invitation to a launch promising Mexican flavours, sensational food, lively music – and most importantly, an original, small-batch premium sipping (not slamming!) tequila from Jose Cuervo.

Intrigued by this idea of a sipping tequila, we excitedly attended the press launch of the new Jose Cuervo Tradicional at one of our favourite (and best) Mexican restaurants, Perron a little over a week ago.

The evening started off with fresh margaritas and an assortment of delicious starters; including the most incredible seven layer dip (The Fiesta) complimented with home-cooked tortilla chips; we seriously had to pace ourselves when we saw what lay ahead on the menu for the rest of the evening!

After starters, we were handed a beautiful board consisting of five different elements; syrup from the blue agave plant, a pinch of black pepper, a slice of pineapple, a pod of vanilla and lastly the Jose Cuervo Tradicional Reposado.

We were taken on a journey detailing the rich history (250 years) of tequila; from its early days as a drink for bandidos and rancheros (outlaws and farmers) it has steadily grown in popularity; with the refinement of premium, craft tequila quickly gaining appeal around the globe. South Africa – is not far behind the trend – we actually rank as the 4^th largest tequila market in the world (behind Mexico, the USA and Russia)!

Even more surprising is that in Mexico, tequila is sipped rather than slammed, shot or mixed in Margaritas. It is best drunk in a ‘caballito’ (a tapered long shot glass) with sangrita or cold beer as an accompaniment.

To begin our tasting process, we were guided through each element on the board allowing us to better pick up all these flavors in the tequila itself: the key is to actually breathe in through your mouth as opposed to your nose – you will be amazed at how many different scents you pick up, and how different it feels when you are sipping it instead of it burning your chest after you’ve just downed a shooter in the club – eek!

This whole process is supposed to be done with a touch of finesse – you will see from the pictures Ilaria didn’t get this quite right on the first take ;(

The Repasodo in the name of the tequila means rested, and when produced, it rests for no less than four months in white oak barrels – this really refines and mellows the drink, producing a combination of smoothness and great taste.

After our very informative sipping lesson, the evening was about relaxing and enjoying the great vibe and food of Perron – we had the pleasure of watching traditional Mexican dancers work their magic; Sam even had her chance to show the crowd her salsa moves 😉

This has to be one of the best launches we have attended: fantastic food (let’s not even get started on the churros), fabulous margaritas, awesome entertainment and an informative tequila tasting. We love the idea of introducing tequila to the dinner table in a less “let’s get crazy” kind of way. If you are wanting to give this premium label tequila a try, it is available at most liquor stores around the country for about R230 a bottle or at a proper Mexican establishment like Perron!

Thanks to our hosts, Edward Snell & Co, and the tequila master (Siavash Marshall Behaerin) for such a superb evening – we have a feeling that sipping tequila is going to become a the next big thing

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When Nelson Mandela square first opened – when it was still known as Sandton Square – it was THE place to be seen, eating or socializing in Jo’burg. As the years passed on however, the area became somewhat cluttered with mediocre restaurants, serving average, over-priced food to foreigners. Most of them probably thinking: gosh, food in Jo’burg is soooo bad!

So it is with big relief that we tell you: The Square is hotting up once more! There are a host of new and trendy restaurants opening their doors; Tasha’s will finally grace Sandton with their presence (we are placing bets as to what the theme will be), while “The Big Mouth” has been delighting people with their stunning décor (marble and copper lamps) and –apparently – delectable sushi. The third exciting entrant to the square is Remo’s (of Durban and Waterfall Corner fame) which focuses on serving home-style Italian favourites.

The launch, which took place last week Wednesday, was a complete delight. While it was labelled the ‘media launch’, the vibe of the evening felt much more relaxed than that, with many friends and family guests included in the crowd creating a very warm, welcoming and vibey atmosphere. We were greeted with a glass of Prosecco, and quickly found ourselves snapping away photos of the stunning interior.

Renzo Scribante, the passionate owner behind the Remo’s name says the inspiration of the new store was drawn from the name of the location – Nelson Mandela, with liberta meaning freedom. The concept has been so cleverly pulled together that the mural of Mandela in his boxing days is complimented by hundreds of black and white photos across the walls, creating a unique and very authentic feel. The restaurant is filled with booths and tables, spread out across a beautiful blue and white tiled floor (obsessed with this), while the large bar area dominates the front of the store.

Obviously, being an Italian joint meant the food did not stop pouring out the kitchen that night. From tasty caprese sticks and piping-hot pizzas to divine meatballs, we got a taste for what has made the Remo’s franchise of restaurants so successful. The show stopper, however, had to be the mini cronuts that found their way onto a table: a delicious hybrid between a donut and croissant filled with sweet custard flavours (like peanut butter – O.M.G).

First Cronut Ever

We also have to give a special mention to the service given by the waiters, barmen and general manager Jake – they made every effort to make their guests feel special the entire evening.

Remo’s Liberta officially opens next week and after such a delicious taster of things to come, we can whole-heartedly give it the #spruceapproved badge! (We will update this post with contact details as soon as we know about them

Posts Tagged ‘jhb’

A night with the Jose Cuervo Tradicional | Perron

Remo’s Libertà – Nelson Mandela Square