Off the back of his Outstanding achievement award at the 2010 Australian Bar Awards, an appearance alongside Martha Stewart and the success at The Dutch in NYC, Startender Naren Young is back in Sydney for ten days only.
Bedding down the beverage program at Barrio Chino, and tapping Tecates for a few friends, he has shrugged off the time difference and looks 100% at home.
Barrio Chino is a new Mexican paradise, tucked down Bayswater Rd.
The food was getting great raps from everyone who’s eaten there. The type of fresh Mexican flavours that are such a rarity here. Naren has spent these last many years involved in the setting up of what the Amercians like to call beverage programs. Essentially, what gets delivered is a restaurant and bar that exist side by side. The bar is good enough it could thrive on its own, so is the restaurant. Paired together, they are a potent force.
I will be back to try the food directly, but the bar is great on its own. A real showcase of agave and its many facets.
There are masterful touches everywhere.
On the back bar there are some rarites, curiousities and even a couple of legends.
The list offers a handful of choices. Jar shaken pitchers of Tommy’s, balance perfect, perhaps the shareable first round available in the country.
The breakfast margarita picks up all the sweet zesty goodness that marmalade has to offer, but with the addition of an earthy agave heart that will leave you wondering why you’ve made this drink when any other spirit. The options offer a range of texture and formats. Long, short, touched with seductive smoky hint of mezcal. All singing, all dancing, all agave.
I would challenge any person who doesn’t like tequila to not find a drink that becomes their favourite.
The bar also signature serves Tecate, complete with gingery salt encrusted limes. Squeeze the juice into your can and knock it back.
Get into it.
Barrio Chino
28-30 Bayswater Rd, Kings Cross
ph. 8021 9750
On Google maps here.
Everyday Drinking 