By Angela Green: El Cenote opening in Camden.
Excitement buzzes in the heart of Camden as El Cenote, a new cocktail bar featuring an impressive food menu, announces its grand opening will be mid-May, located on the lively Inverness Street.
At the helm of El Cenote’s vibrant atmosphere is Aima Indigo, a local resident of Camden with an impressive track record in the hospitality industry, including stints at celebrated venues like La Bodega Negra and Mestizo Chelsea. Aima brings a deep passion for her Mexican heritage from Veracruz—a beautiful state by the Gulf of Mexico. “I am thrilled to bring the vibrancy and layers of beauty of my culture to Camden,” says Aima. “Our cocktails and food menu are inspired by the rich traditions and flavours of Mexico, promising an authentic and exciting culinary journey.”
The kitchen is led by the talented Chef Daniel Sanchez, a native of Mexico City, where he honed his skills in some of the city’s top restaurants. Now in London, he has left his mark on establishments such as Mexcalito and Chingon Tacos and was instrumental in opening Ella Canta with Marta Ortiz. Chef Sanchez draws inspiration from traditional Mexican street food and recipes passed down from his grandmother, promising to deliver a menu that is both innovative and comforting.
El Cenote will focus on offering a fresh and exciting food selection including Cochinita Pipil Tacos, soft corn tortillas with pulled pork slow cooker for 7hrs that melt in the mouth. The taste is a mix of the acidity of the orange juice and achiote marinade and the richness of the spices creating a deep, rich earthy flavour. Taco Birria – Birria is traditionally a spicy and super savoury Mexican beef stew that’s slow cooked until the meat is fall-apart juicy and delicious. This dish was the amazing idea to put this delicious meat into a taco shell, and then dip the whole thing into the stew and fry it up! Carne Asada Norteña, a traditional Mexican dish composed of marinated skirt steak or flank steak that has been grilled and thinly sliced is also a hero dish, the term carne asada in Spanish translating to ‘roasted’ or ‘grilled meat’ in English.
There will also be a plant-based vegan selection, ensuring there’s something delightful for every palate including Sweet Potato Tacos, refried black beans with crispy sweet potato seasoned with spices, vegan Halloumi cheese and Chipotle mayonnaise vegan and Crispy Mushroom Tacos, with vegan Manchego cheese, mushroom stew with onion and spices and avocado tomatillo salsa.
On the cocktail front, signature libations, created by Alma, include: El Cenote, a twist on the classic Margarita, featuring cucumber and blue curaçao; Xocolatl, a nod to ancient Aztec traditions, combining tequila, chocolate liqueur, and mole sauce for a rich and complex taste; La Guadalupe, a fruity mango margarita that captures the essence of Mexico’s culture; La Lavanda, a light and refreshing Margarita infused with the soothing aroma of lavender; and Mexico Lindo, a coconut Margarita inspired by the beauty of Mexico, adorned with colours reminiscent of the Mexican flag.
Whether you’re in for the innovative cocktails or light and fresh Mexican cuisine, El Cenote aims to provide a memorable dining experience that celebrates the rich culinary traditions of Mexico.
Join El Cenote to explore the depths of Mexican culture right in the heart of Camden – doors open mid-May.
2 Inverness Street, Camden, NW1 7HJ
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