This last week Couturing attended the intimate cocktail and dinner degustation hosted by The Table Restaurant in St Kilda, in celebration of JLP Tequila’s Day of the Dead Festival.
Mexican born and raised Alejandro Romo reminded us that “it is a day to get together with your family, celebrate and remember our loved ones that have passed. We create an altar, we put things out that our loved ones enjoyed eating or doing, we decorate it with orange flowers, purple cut paper and a cross of ash. We think that death is part of the journey of life and therefore it is something we do not fear”.
The room was decked out in shrines honouring loved ones that have passed, an arrangement of photos, flowers and food.
The evening immediately began with a shot of tequila waiting at the table and the arrival of the night’s entertainment, Alejandro Espino Aldana. The comedic ‘Mexican Music Man’ serenaded guests with traditional Latin American music on his guitar and played requests so that we could have a little sing along whilst sipping on Sol beer.
Our first course was cucumber and jalapeno ceviche with corn tortilla chips, followed by char grilled swordfish and white bean tamale on salsa verde. The presentation of these dishes was a stand out, but the best was still to come!
The third course was my personal favourite, JLP anejo tequila glazed pulled pork sope with arroz rojo. Although the names of these dishes might be unfamiliar, don’t let this deter you. The fourth and final savoury dish was carne asada (grilled beef), fries with preserved lemon and cilantro aioli. It is safe to say that guests didn’t leave The Table hungry!
Dessert finished off the cuisine with spiced pumpkin and fresh blueberry flan with mantequilla de mani y jalea (an easy translation of this – amazing cake and ice-cream).
Restaurant owner James Blackman and his staff definitely proved that they know how to please their guests’ pallets. The experience at The Table is very intimate and personal, but still maintains the excitement with all the colour and flair that is Mexico. An interesting note behind the name and it’s ‘personal feel’ – the main dining table in the restaurant is actually from owner, James Blackman’s childhood family home. James believes that this table was the heart of the home, and still carries the same essence that it did when James was a child.
If you decide to visit The Table but can’t seem to find it, it’s because they’re revamping themselves within the next week or so and changing their name to La Mesa. The essence of The Table will remain the same, but will be even better. We can’t wait to head back and experience La Mesa!
The Table (and soon to be La Mesa) is located on 49 Fitzroy Street, St. Kilda.
Visit The Table Restaurant Facebook page for more details or go to www.thetablerestaurant.com.au
Images by Ruby Graovac
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