Food review: This new Mexican eatery in Lower Parel is expensive yet worth trying

Al Carbon Tacos

City foodies might be familiar with restaurants like Indigo and Neel; the newest launch from the Indigo Hospitality stable is Tijuana in Kamala Mills in Lower Parel. Designed to be a Mexican cantina, the restaurant has vibrant interiors and a DJ spinning a trippy playlist every night. We visit them unannounced on a day when they are hosting friends and family, and we must mention that the food and cocktails are perfect despite the restaurant's soft launch phase. Chefs Jason Hudanish and Rohan Dhotre have crafted the food menu.

Guacamole and chips go best with salsa bar options

We spot a board that says salsa bar with a list of different dips to try as complimentary picks, and to call for with food. So, we first choose guacamole and chips (Rs 550, all prices exclusive of taxes) to try with the salsa bar options and the chips arrive warm and fresh on our table. The salsa options are brimming with fresh, sweet and spicy flavours across the board and there is nothing to complain about the classic guac.

Tortilla soup

We pin on avocado taco (Rs 525) and al carbon taco (Rs 525) from their tacos section. The avocado version is for those who aren't fans of spicy fare (considering that everything on the menu can fall in that bracket) and it plays beautifully on textures - some crunch from beer-battered avocado and pomegranate, and freshness from cucumber cilantro yoghurt.

Tijuana temple (right) The queen dessert. Pics Courtesy/Dhara Vora Sabhnani

Al carbon is a beautifully marinated chicken dish that is complemented by roasted tomato chipotle salsa. A brilliant accompaniment for our food are two cocktails, Tijuana temple (Rs 685) and the queen dessert (Rs 885). Tijuana temple is highly refreshing with its mix of litchi and yuzu. The queen dessert looks as beautiful as it tastes, with colour from blue pea and notes of coconut. The cocktail menu has been designed by Fay Baretto. Tijuana scores well on our first outing even before their grand launch, the prices though will make your eyes water instead of their chile de arbol salsa.

Tijuana
Time: 10.30 am to 12.30 am (weekdays); 10.30 am to 1.30 am (weekends)
At: Unit No 1, CS No 448, Trade Tower, Wing -B, Kamala Mills, Lower Parel.
Call: 49684629

'''' Exceptional, ''' Excellent, '' very Good, ' Good, Average. Tijuana didn't know we were there. The Guide reviews anonymously and pays for meals