This month, Notre Dame West gained a new fine-dining establishment specializing in authentic Mexican cuisine. At Emiliano’s, executive chef Carlos Flores and sous chef Ariel Canto from Merida, Yucatan, strive to blend the methods and flavours of the ancient Mayans and Aztecs with South American influences. The result is an exhaustive four-page menu with Mexican staples such as chunky guacamole — avocado, roasted Cipollini, jalapeño peppers, cilantro, lime juice and tomato ($10); Al Pastor tacos — braised-marinated pork shoulder, onion, pineapple and cilantro (three for $11.50); and lobster and shrimp quesadillas — lobster, flour tortilla, melted Monterey Jack cheese, cilantro, sambal, pineapple and garlic ($21). Behind the bar, mixologist Andrew Whilbey serves tequilas and mezcals, as well as his own cocktail creations, such as La Dama — Cazadores Tequila, fino sherry and farlenum ($12); and Coco Loco — Kraken spiced rum, apricot brandy, pineapple and coconut ($11).
Restaurant Emiliano’s
260 Notre-Dame West, Montreal
