‘Mexican food is spicy’ was a myth that has finally been busted for us and many others. The flood occurred when we were recently invited to savor the tantalizing flavors of Mexico in a Mexican Food Festival at the Lake View Café, Renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre Hotel (Powai-Mumbai).

Chef Guadalupe Monterroza, with his experience for more than 23 years, introduced us to the cuisine that we were about to relish and Chef Narciso Alcazar, made our mouths water by telling us about the spices and the varied ways they use traditional techniques till date to get the exact flavor desired. He, in his 8 years with the Marriott Group, shares a passion for cooking Mexican but realized it rather later in his career. On the other hand Chef Monterroza took up his first job as a professional cook at a certain Japanese restaurant because he simply fell in love with the kitchen!

In a tête-à-tête with the two Chefs, who were specially imported from Mexico, we actually enlightened ourselves about the similarities between Indian and Mexican Cuisines. The way a Burrito is made, reminded us of our very own Frankies…the Corn Cob which is a famous Mexican street dish is a famous street food in India, especially during Monsoons…also our infamous Kashmiri Mirchis too find a prominent role in the ingredients list….

The very attractively laid and vibrant À la carte, literally tempts you to have a bite. You would want to dig into all of it and you might even believe that you can easily stomach it all!!! 

We began our gastronomic journey with a Mexican Tequila shot, which was not really that hard on us. This was followed by loads of Quesadillas, Burritos and Tortillas accompanied by various types of Salsa Sauces like Molcajete, Mexicano, Guacamole, Chipotle, Borracha and Habanero. Each of them only came across to be so simple yet so complicated in taste…because the taste of each salsa, though looking the same, is so different! The flavors blend so well that you have to take a moment to make sure you don’t miss out on any flavor.

Having said this, the things that are a must try in our list of suggestions is the Pollo Pibil (Chicken + Red Onion + Anato Chilli + Mexican Spices), Inchiladas Mole Con Queso (Corn Tortilla + Mole Sauce + Fresh Cheese) and ofcourse Pescado Al Guajillo (simply yummy fish!)! The Chefs suggested we have this with a wide variety of bread, because Mexican’s laaaauve breads!

While you’re at it and almost full for another relishing bite, don’t miss the dessert to choose from…some tasty looking Apple pies to caramel custards…

Though we couldn’t relish them all, we were lusting over the Borrachitos (Mexican Tequila Cake), and haven’t still gotten over the taste (simply yumm!).

In all, go to the Mexican Food Festival before 3rd July, 2013 (That’s the last days of the Festival) at Renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre Hotel (Powai-Mumbai)  and experience a ‘hot’ gastronomic journey which is passionately prepared by two passionate-Mexican Chefs. And  what more, it is totally worth it!

How will this affect your pocket? Rs. 1600 plus taxes per person