Monday, December 28, 2020

New Tacos Hit the Mark

With all the great tacos in town, I should never name the Taco of the Year before December 31st at midnight.

Another two tacos hit the mark at Aquila; one as original as the Jicama Taco at La Azotea – the principal taco in SMA for the past 16 years. 


The Jicama taco is a texturally adventurous bite - the shell is a thin slice of Jicama topped with lightly breaded shrimp, chipotle mayo and a tamarind sauce. The fried leek finish put this taco in a class by itself so leave it to the same group (La Azotea, Pueblo Viejo, Atrio and Aquila) to create another winning bite: a taco shell made with cecina and stuffed with suckling pig. You’ll adore this confit, which is cooked for 16 hours. The Mexican sauce that topped this taco was recently replaced with a new Peruvian criolla sauce of Chinese pea, purple onion, sesame oil, Togarashi (a Japanese spice and Tiger milk. 4 generous portions are $290 pesos.

The second taco is Sweetbreads Chicharron with a finish of Tomatillos and Morita chili peppers. Four sizeable tacos are $240 pesos.

Beautifully complementing this meal was Chorizo – possibly the best we’ve eaten - a delightfully rich Cebolla Llorona ($110 pesos) and a salad: a mix of baby lettuce, Figs, sunflower seeds, feta cheese and a cognac reduction for $190 pesos. These three dishes - the Chorizo, onion and salad – are a meal in itself and can be split by two for just $225 pesos each. Aquila is well priced; from a pan of Chorizo that will run you $150 pesos to a Rib Eye steak at $1250 pesos. The wood grilled meats are exceptional. The experience made perfect with a roof that opens to the sky.


One thing we know - you’ll be crazy about anything you order at the new Aquila, especially when it’s off the wood fire and you’re accompanied by a chef who loves their food as much as I do.

A great addition to the SMA food scene, this is unquestionably one of the best new restaurant openings in SMA in 2020.

Aquila

Jesus #3, Centro

Daily: 1:00 PM - 10:00 PM.

Note: Check with the restaurant; the closing time is currently regulated by the city.

All safety protocols followed.

Masks removed for photographs and consumption.

Health First certified by the city of SMA.