We don’t really need a reason to party, but any excuse for a fiesta is fine by us. With Hari Raya Puasa kicking off this long weekend, we reckon a celebration is in order, especially since Mexico’s Independence Day lands smack on Sep 16. In fact, it’s their bicentennial declaration of independence and centennial of the Mexican revolution. With that in mind, we gorge ourselves silly on muchos food and tequila to enjoy probably the closest thing to a religious experience we’re ever going to have.
 

Café Iguana

#01-03 Riverside Point, 30 Merchant Rd., 6438-7438.
This bright, fuchsia-colored cantina known as a tequila bar also serves up gourmet Latino cuisine from Mexico and beyond. We love that they’re open till late. It makes for a great spot to hang with our mates and get some serious drinking in. We go weak for their frozen house concoctions such as lime, mango, soursop, pink guava and strawberry (from $14). Did we forget to mention their infamous Margarita Madness happy hour which takes place daily from opening till 8pm and again from 11pm till closing? We’ve been known to get a little sip-happy on jugs of these seemingly innocent drinks. Or opt to down some premium tequila shooters with over 100 labels to choose from. Food wise, dishes you shouldn’t miss include the flank steak fajitas ($29) with sour cream and guacamole, ancho-dusted fried calamari ($16) and smoked salmon soft tacos ($27). Also try their green chili pork stew, served with barracho beans and Mexican rice. For spice lovers, be sure to have some Habanero hot sauce, made with the world’s hottest chilies and fresh mango puree.

Casa Latina

42 Waterloo St., 6884-6929.
As the latest roommate of ACTION Theatre’s two story pre-war bungalow, Casa Latina is a relative newbie to the scene. It occupies the entire first floor and has the same charming alfresco bar area we remember from Indochine’s past occupation, while the indoor décor has the requisite bright hues and dark wood for ease and comfort. It certainly doesn’t hurt that the staff here are warm and hospitable, they’ll make you feel right at home. A standout is their Casa Latina melted cheese ($15) in a hot stone pot—Mexican bearded cheese sizzles in a green sauce made from garlic, onions and tomatillos (green tomatoes imported from Mexico). The fun part is scooping up as much or as little (trust us, the more the merrier) as you like, slopping it on a warm tortilla, then rolling it up into a log before cramming all that cheesy goodness into your mouth. Their Las Carnitas ($25) is a generous portion of Michoacán-style pork confit chunks, served up with corn tortillas and a zingy pico de gallo (diced red tomatoes, onions, serrano chilies and tons of cilantro), spicy carnitas sauce and wedges of lime. To spice up your life, try their spicy margaritas made with chili-infused tequila which come in flavors including guava, mango, ginger and even bubble gum.

El Toro Restro Bar

2/F Winsland Conservation House, 165 Penang Rd., 6887-4787.
Located right on top of popular beer joint The Dubliner Irish Pub, this Mexican restaurant is a great place to kick back and relax. There’s also an alfresco balcony area for those who feel like being outdoors. This is the perfect rest stop after a hard day of heavy duty shopping along Orchard Road. Reenergize with some fresh seafood and opt for the Ceviche Pescado ($13.80)—marinated fish doused in a lime and lemon juice bath with cilantro, red onions, capsicums and hot sauce for a spicy kick. There’s even a prawn version at $12.80. Nachos del Grande ($14.80) comprises homemade tortilla chips topped with pineapple, beans, black olives, tomato, onions, jalapenos and oozing with cheese—perfect with a beer or some hard tequila. They also have all the requisites including quesadillas, chimichangas, burritos and enchiladas. End your meal with their chili chocolate cake ($12) or have yourself some deep-fried goodness with cinnamon-dusted churros ($10).

Spruce Taqueria

Phoenix Park, 320 Tanglin Rd., 6836-5528.
A humble little taco shack that’s only open from noon-3pm on week days, don’t expect any pretenses or fancy décor here (there is none); just five tables and quick, casual food in a park. It’s certainly a welcome change with its entirely alfresco setting, self-serve concept and reasonable prices. We’d gladly have their beef tongue quesadilla set, a bargain at $9, which comes with chips, salsa and a drink, anytime. The real star is the beef tongue quesadilla, with a crisp exterior enveloping juicy cubes of beef tongue and luscious melted cheese. Their salsa, specked with bits of red onion, jalapenos and coriander, is just tart and spicy enough, and goes well with a refreshing watermelon and lime aqua fresca. The chips, coupled with thick and creamy guacamole ($4), is also a classic to try. The accompaniments explode with bold and fresh flavors, and make a great match with their soft tacos such as grilled snapper and pork carnitas ($3 each).

PLUS: Mix Your Own Margarita

Mark the Date ...

The Embassy of Mexico in Singapore is organizing a Mexican Gastronomic Festival from now through Sep 19 at Plaza Market Café in Fairmont Singapore (2/F, 80 Bras Basah Rd., 6431-6156). Chefs Filiberto Torres and Carlos Reyes from Fairmont Acapulco will be cooking up a storm. That’s not all. Hot Mexicans will be here in full force through Sep 21, with band Ireson, accompanied by renowned singer Silvia Abalos and dance group Mexico Lindo. [TOP]