Have you ever dined in the presence of a crocodile? What about drank a cocktail from a cocoa shell? I experienced these, and more at the Lady Carolina launch party – Melbourne’s newest Latin kitchen. Having lived in Mexico for six months, I am a taco connoisseur, salsa lover, and street food fanatic. I was excited to see what Lady Carolina had in store.
photos courtesy Joe Horak and Jess Brohier
The night began in style: my plus one and I were greeted at the door with a cocoa shell cocktail and an (almost) endless row of pork crackling tacos. Within 30 seconds, I had fallen into a deep infatuation with Lady Carolina and their decadent pork crackling taco.
Merely thinking about it causes me to slip into a slightly dreamy state of sweet delirium. Possibly the best taco I have ever sunk teeth into on this continent. It is a twist on Mexico’s classic al pastor taco (roasted pork with pineapple and chilies). Pork belly stacked high with crispy corn, salsa, and a tangy sauce — it was like classic Mexican street food meeting Melbourne’s trendiest chef. Pure heaven in my mouth.
photos courtesy Joe Horak and Jess Brohier
The night like taking a whirlwind trip through Mexico, Cuba, and Peru’s culinary heavens. Lamb barbacoa, Cuban sandwiches, and ceviche were just a few of the items on the menu. The bars flowed with new and classic South American cocktails: Lady Margarita, Inca Punch, and Victor V Morris (a ginger-infused pisco cocktail).
And there was no shortage of entertainment. A Mariachi band serenaded the crowd whilst reptile tamers flaunted their crocodiles and pythons. Old-school street vendors dressed in classic ice cream parlour garb with push coolers distributed Mexican paletas (popsicles).
photos courtesy Joe Horak and Jess Brohier
Want to escape for an afternoon and slip into an exotic culinary adventure through South America? Pay the new Lady on the block a visit.
– Ember
Ember is an American turned Aussie. Her love affair with Melbourne goes back three years, and she still can’t get enough of this city! Discovering new hideouts and hidden gems around Melbourne is her hobby. Marketing Strategist by day, spontaneous adventurer, brekky enthusiast and aerial acrobat by night.
Lady Carolina
175-177 Lygon Street
Brunswick East
http://www.ladycarolina.com.au/
Disclosure: The Plus Ones were invited guests of Zilla & Brook.
