I have always enjoyed Mexican food quite a bit, especially at the Arriba Mexican Grill and Tequilera. Since I recently wrote an article on the Tequila Trail in Mexico, I have fallen in love with the culture, food and liquor of this country. Arriba, on the other hand has slowly but steadily established itself as one of the best places to find Mexican food in Delhi. With a casual laid-back ambience, a host of premium tequilas and a Chef whose food I have enjoyed since the first time I got into food writing, this place has become one of my favourites to visit.
Swinging back Anejo with Chef Noah Barnes
Chef Noah Barnes, one of Chef Sabyasachi Gorai’s acolytes was probably the first chef I interacted when I was starting out in food writing. I still remember his love for pork dishes from his Hungry Monkey days. That love for pork is still displayed pretty well in the pork-based Tacos that are part of the Taco Festival taking place here. The Crispy Cajun Pork Chilly, Cajun spiced Pulled Pork and Jamaican spiced Pulled Pork is typical of the flavours he creates and something that are a must try for all pork lovers. But before I get down to trying out his tacos, I decide to try out some shots of Tequila at his tequilera. He makes me try out the Corralejo Anejo. Unlike regular tequila, the Anejo is usually aged for more than a year in American Oak barrels. Not only does that impart a golden colour to the Tequila, it also imparts a bouquet of flavours including oaky and spicy notes. But instead of trying it out regular Salt and Lime, Chef Barnes makes me try out the Anejo with a slice of tangerine and Cinnamon Salt. A combination that has me hooked to Anejo tequila for the rest of my life.
The Margaritas at Arriba Tequilera
Tequila is synonymous with Tequila and Arriba has some of the best Margaritas going around town. Be it the Kiwi flavoured, the tropical fruits or the Classic Lime, you have a choice of trying yours out either on the rocks or a bed of crushed ice. Knowing my weakness for the Ol’ Fashioned, Chef Barnes also makes me try out a Manhattan with a Barrel aged Tequila. The sweetness combined with the woody and spicy flavours is something that we truly recommend.
Let’s come back to the Tacos at Arriba
There are fifteen different tacos that you should plan on trying out. All of them are accompanied by a Salsa of its own and my reccos included the Cheesy Refried Beans Taco, Tequila and Chili Shrimp Taco and the Roast Raw Papaya which has a dash of Gondhoraj Lebu on top. The Grand Taco Board includes a Vegetarian, Chicken, Fish, Prawn and Pork Tacos along with their complement of Salsa.
Where: Arriba Mexican Grill & Tequilera, Near Siri Fort Auditorium
Price for 2: INR 2500-3000
