H O S T E D

I’d dined here before their refurbishment and liked it. So when the invitation for a tasting of their updated menu came my way, I said yes straightaway.

The re-energisation of this 5-year-old establishment can be seen, felt and tasted. Founded and driven by Alejandro Blanco, the first Mexican to be naturalised as a Singapore citizen, there is no doubting the authenticity of the offerings here.

You can expect a cocktail menu that proudly features Mexican alcohol-starring concoctions such as the “Pina Loca” which has pineapple getting jiggy with tequila, and the dramatically smoky “Old Chicano” with a base of fat-washed mezcal.

As for the food, instead of adhering strictly to tradition, Head Chef Jorge has reinterpreted classic Mexican favourites to introduce dishes unique to “El Mero Mero”. Furthermore, because Alejandro’s other company produces tortillas, taco chips and tostadas, generic commercial brands have no place here.

Shown above is one of the dishes I was particularly fond of, the “Tostadas De Atun” ($17++). Those crispy tortilla “cups” are filled with yellowfin tuna ceviche tossed in a spicy mayo and topped with fried banana shallots. They are enormously tasty and I would happily munch on a few at one go.