Dawes Point, The Rocks played host to Australia’s first Cinco de Mayo food festival, Tacos N Tequila, celebrating authentic Mexican street food with a stunning view.

On offer on its opening night was authentic Mexican culinary options as well as America-Mexican fusion. The favourite of the night was a trio of Al Pastor tacos — served the authentic Mexican way with two corn tortillas per taco — from Rosa Cienfuegos with pork and pineapple, Mexican style chorizo, and slow-cooked beef brisket.

Second favourite dish of the night was dessert. Messina was present at the festival in a stylish mini caravan serving Lechendairy, a bespoke ice-cream dessert consisting of layers of milk crumble, dulce de leche gelato, milk sponge and cream topped with warm roasted cinnamon anglaise. It was delicious.

Other vendors present at the festival included Neutral Bay’s SoCal, Panama House — their lamb shoulder taco was melt-in-the-mouth delicious — and Tex Mex by Rob Morales. Popular plant-based restaurant Bad Hombres are set to be in attendance on Sunday only, so, unfortunately, we didn’t get to sink our teeth into their delicious offerings on opening night. Also, Authentic Mexican hotspot Chula is only on Saturday and Sunday.

We washed down delicious tacos and desserts with classic margaritas and smoky and spicy Tommy’s margaritas made with smoked agave syrup and salted rim with additional chilli powder. Perfect for a cool, and a little wet, night.

Palomas!

After a couple of each, we checked out the main bar where they were offering other cocktails including a refreshing and colourful Palomas and different beers and soft drinks for those not interested in Tequila.

The venue was spectacular. Although it did rain at the beginning of the evening, attendees stayed mostly dry under the bridge at Dawes Point. As the evening went on, the weather cleared and everyone was taking selfies with their margs and the gorgeous Sydney Opera House lit up in the background.

It wasn’t all just tasty tacos and spicy margs, attendees were also serenaded by a three-person mariachi band, complete with traditional outfits.

Skullavera also provided a live street art installation. Across the weekend the fiesta will host Taco eating competitions, Tequila masterclasses, Latin American bands, and Lucha Libre wrestling.