I've had a love affair with Mexican food since my first beef taco I had in a street fair in Sydney many many moons ago. I have the opportunity to have some of the best and worse Mexican in the world. So it's always a pleasure to come across a Mexican eatery that takes your tastebuds on a journey to the heart of Mexico.
Curtin House in Swanson Street Melbourne is home to an assortment of dinning rooms and bars, hosting one of the best rooftop bars in Melbourne. It also has a very rich history and once housed the Australian Communist Party head quarters. So I got a little excited to hear that there was a new addition to the building.
Mesa Verde is situated on Level 6, and depending on what time you go is accessed by a small elevator, when that is out of action you take the stairs, and believe me by the time you make it you're in need of a drink.
The fit out is relaxed and casual and the bar, at first glance, seems to hold a good variety of spirits to get any palate going. Lots of washed out coloured wood and a variety of the usual Mexican artefacts decorating the walls.
The drink list had a great variety of cocktails with an interesting selection of margaritas. I was also pleased to read that they supported local independent brewers that they rotated weekly and was excited to hear what our waited had to offer. I must say I was both disappointed and confused when our waitress read out the beer list from Lion Nathan, who is neither local or independent.
The menu was above good, it was amazing and whilst there was a Taco and Nacho section represented it certainly gives you the impression that a lot of research has gone into the menu development.
The first dish we ordered was the Mexican beef carpaccio with zucchini flowers, salted ricotta, baby basil, black garlic aioli and saltines. Everything about this dish was amazing, the beef melted in your mouth and each component of the dish adding a fresh sensation that left you wanting more.
Next to arrive was the grilled sweet corn with queso and mortima creama. Another winning dish and I found myself wanting to lick the plate clean.
Two courses down and two to go and I was starting to think is this where it all goes pear shape. Asparagus and green beans arrived and thankfully I had no reason to fear with again a dish that was not only cooked to perfection but gently refreshed your palate.
A visit to a Mexican restaurant wouldn't be complete with out a taco or two and when our platter of tacos was placed in the centre of our table I knew this was a great night out.
Mesa Verde is certainly a standout establishment and has been elevated to one of the top restaurants in Melbourne.
So if your looking for a Mexican eatery that serves more than salas and corn chips then make a booking at Mesa Verde.
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