Mezcal Combines Tradition with Innovation

Monday, April 16, 2012

Ashley Klann, GoLocalWorcester Contributor

Mezcal offers traditional and modern Mexican cuisine.

Worcester may be a long way from the border, but Mezcal Tequila Cantina will delight with its unique blend of traditional and inventive Mexican dishes, and one-of-a-kind cocktails.

Their bar and restaurant on Shrewsbury Street will celebrate its fifth year of serving up delicious meals and drinks this November, and Manager Andrew Tuori let us in on their secret.

“The best thing about Mezcal is the clientele,” he said. “We’re really lucky to attract from all age demographics. It’s really nice to have the young professional to the college group to hospital crowd.”

Certainly this diverse crowd is due to the restaurant’s diverse menu.

Keeping it New

Mezcal offers the signature staples of Mexican cuisine, but with its own unique twist. A quick glance through the menu, and you’ll recognize some dishes: the burritos, quesadillas, fajitas, and tacos. But if you’re daring, these are far from your standard Mexican dishes.

“My favorite standardized menu item that we have all the time, I’d have to say the barbeque duck quesadilla – it really shows our unique style here,” Tuori said. Indeed, the fusion of barbeque with Mexican spices, black beans, bacon, melted onion, and jack cheese will be sure to be a flavor sensation.

To start a meal, hungry customers can choose from their list of bocaditos (starters) that range from adventurous to the more tame. Try the Golden Fries Jalapeno Rice Balls if you’re looking for something new, or pick from the more traditional yet equally delicious pulled pork sliders or chicken wings. Whether or not you’re feeling bold, keep your eyes open for new dishes on the menu.

“My favorites change regularly. We’re fortunate to have a talented kitchen, so the menu is constantly changing. What might be my favorite one day of the week might not later on, depending on specials,” Tuori said. “Being so far from Mexico, we kind of balance the line of trying to offer authentic Mexican food with something experimental and inventive. We’ve had great success with that. Our customers enjoy the fusion cuisine.”

Gotta Try It

“Pretty much everybody has to have the guacamole. It’s made to order at the guac bar in the dining room,” Tuori said.

At Mezcal, they take their guac seriously. It’s not just a side item. It has its own section of the menu and comes in many different styles.

Their house blend comes with avocado, onion, tomato, lime, cilantro, and jalapeno, but if your palate is a little more exotic, try their tropical blend with papaya, mango, and roasted cashews. Or add some crunch and get it with toasted pepitas, smoked almonds, diced jicama, and fried corn nuts. Can’t decide? No problem. Mezcal offers a tasting flight for those too picky to choose just one of their delicious guac options.

Need another reason to satisfy your guacamole craving at Mezcal? This month, ordering your favorite guac will also be good for someone else.

“All April, we’re having a Guac for Hunger campaign. Every time you order it, it’s one dollar to Rachel’s Table and the Worcester County Food Bank to help fight hunger in Worcester County,” Tuori said.

For the Tequila Aficionado

After all that guac, you’re bound to be thirsty, and Mezcal has you covered.

“We currently have 140 tequilas on the menu. It’s constantly changing,” Tuori said. “Skinny margaritas are one of our most popular drinks. They aren’t made with sour mix, but instead use fresh juice, agave nectar which is a natural sweetener, and orange liquor.

Mezcal offers over 140 tequilas at the bar.

With all of their kinds of tequila, you know you’re in good hands when it comes to the menu. That’s right, tequila gets its own menu. Mezcal’s astounding list of tequilas spans several categories and styles. If you want unaged, distinctive agave flavors, stick with the Blanco tequilas, or head down the menu for those aged longer with deeper flavors, like the Anejos, which are typically aged from two to five years.

Crafted tequila cocktails are also a great option. Each drink is incredibly unique and has been paired with a specific tequila for just the right taste. Their Anejo Smash is a mix of Milagro Añejo, muddled lemon, fresh mint, agave nectar for a springy, citrusy combination that’s not too sweet, and not too complex.

Tequila Lemonade is perfect for dreaming of that beach vacation this summer, and for those wanting a kick with their drink, try the Mexican Gunfight – a dangerous blend of Habenero tequila, sweet vermouth, Agavero orange, lime juice, orange juice, Agave nectar, and ginger ale.

Mezcal’s list of margaritas will give you just as many great options. They offer many different twists on the traditional margarita, like pomegranate peach, mocha, and kiwi mango.

Any Way You Want It

Mezcal is a great place to try something completely new, or experience your favorite Mexican dishes with a twist. If you find that their restaurant seating is full for the night, don’t be shy to pull up to the bar. Their full menu is available bar-side, and the service is just as great.

Whether you come for the diverse menu of drinks or the delicious and changing Mexican fusion cuisine, one thing is for sure, Mezcal will always be a pleasant surprise.

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