Los Vida, Crows Nest

Los Vida Mexican Restaurant & Bar, Crows Nest is quickly becoming a favourite for those in search of authentic Mexican food which is prepared so well by Pablo Galinodo Vargas and carries on with the success of Los Vida, Westfield Sydney, CBD Wintergarden and the soon to open Barangaroo.

Los Vida, Crows Nest

There are three levels with the main bar downstairs serving up cocktails and drinks with a smaller bar on the top level in a space to sit back and while away the evening. Up beat tunes play and there are even songs by “El Vez”, the Mexican Elvis, to expand your musical knowledge.

Decor

The decor is neither kitsch nor cliched as it aims to set the casual mood for this restaurant and bar.

Techo de la capilla Sixtina estilo mexicano

There is no telling who may be above your head in this homage to Mexican identities in the style of the Sistine Chapel.

Rodrigo Vega

Bar and venue manager, Rodrigo Vega, (ex Hello Sailor, Low 302, Beefeater Gin Competition Winner) has created a cocktail list that was inspired by his time in Mexico and favours the simple style of cocktails such as a selection of margaritas and daiquiris with others to tempt. By making the majority of syrups and shrubbs in house allows for the cocktails to pair well with the food.

Salted Watermelon Margarita, Guacamole with Totopos

From the Margarita list, the Salted Watermelon ($17) with tequila blanco, fino, grapefruit, watermelon and bitters is a good balance of sweet and salty and makes a good start while perusing the menu. Start with the Guacamole with Totopos ($12) with its creamy avocado, lime, coriander, garlic, chili, paprika and jicama with pomegranate. With summer on the way, all the margaritas will be available frozen as well.

Uno, Dos, Tres and Altiplano Applefizz

Uno, Dos, Tres ($17) delivers smoke from the mezcal balanced by the elderflower of  St. Germain with Montenegro and bitters. Stay in South America with the rye berry infused Pisco-based Altiplano Applefizz ($17).  The cocktail with Applejack, vermouth and tamarind shrub, is light, fresh and fruity.

Mezcal and Sotol

Of course there is a focus on agave spirits with one of the partners Octavio Gomez Haro of Casa Mexico Group on board. The list of tequilas and mezcals currently includes Bruxo, El Jolgorio, Los Danzantes and Alipus, to name a few, and will be expanding. The list highlights various regions and aging styles as well as the less well known Sotol available. Tasting flights will be also be available soon.

Tequenos

Tequenos ($12 for 3 pieces) are traditional South American cheese sticks served with chipotle mayo. Filled with melted cheese and a slightly smoky sauce for dipping, this is a great for a starter or bar snack.

Tuna Ceviche

The Tuna Ceviche ($13) has a tuna fillet, leche de tigre, chipotle mayo, clamato infused tapioca, cucumber, chives, avocado and pistachios is fresh and vibrant with a hit of chilli and is definitely a must.

Scallops Aguachile Ceviche

The Scallops Aguachile Ceviche ($13) consists of scallops, cucumber, red onion, jicama and serrano chilli. It’s milder and sweeter than the tuna ceviche with the fruitiness of the mango more prominent.

Yucatan Fish

Yucatan Fish Taco ($7) with grilled barramundi and yucatan style marinade, smokey rojo sauce, zesty lime cabbage and pineapple salsa delivers great flavours. The tangy marinade combes well with the smokey sauce and does not overpower the flavoursome fish.

Chorizo Octopus

The Chorizo Octopus Taco ($8) is a must. Spicy chorizo with tender octopus , potatoes, chimichurri and chipotle mayo. This is packed with a lot of heat and will definitely become a go-to dish.

Chorizo Flautas

Chorizo Flautas ($16) combine chorizo, potato mash, tasty cheese wrapped in crunchy corn tortillas, with salsa verde and queso fresco. The chorizo is spicy, tortillas crisp and the queso fresco providing a good contrast.

Los Vida Mexican Restaurant & Bar, Crows Nest

Los Vida Mexican Restaurant & Bar, Crows Nest is as fun, buzzy and welcoming venue serving up authentic Mexican food, great cocktails and a back bar of tequilas and mezcal that need to be explored. There is a concise wine list that matches well with the food and a beer list that includes several Mexican brews. This lively space makes it great to drop in for a quick bite and drink or to settle into for the evening for two or with a group.

The song goes ‘South of the border, down Mexico way’ just may well have to be changed to ‘North of the Bridge’.

Photography © by Gourmantic – Copyright: All rights reserved. Contact us if you wish to purchase any photographs.

Los Vida Mexican Restaurant & Bar
419 Pacific Highway (Laneway entrance via Falcon St)
Crows Nest NSW
losvida.com.au

Updated 31 August 2015