Refined modern Mexican cuisine at vibrant new restaurant & bar within refurbished Chijmes complex
July 6th, 2015
Since its opening in late 2014, El Mero Mero has garnered considerable attention in local culinary circles with its refined approach to modern Mexican cuisine. Set within the revitalised Chijmes upscale dining and nightlife complex, El Mero Mero deftly melds a casual dining and drinks experience on the outdoor garden terrace, with sophisticated dining amid the chic interior of the dining room and open kitchen. On the vibrant terrace, patrons can order small plates of Mexican street foods and refreshing cocktails, or a full meal with appetisers and main dishes from the extensive menu. Within the air-conditioned comfort of the stylish dining room, diners are immersed in the bustling activity of the culinary team at work in the adjacent open kitchen, facilitating an appreciation of the dynamic marriage of traditional cuisine with contemporary cooking and plating techniques.
Design Set along one of the colonnaded wings of the meticulously refurbished colonial-era Chijmes complex, the restaurant interior exudes a rustic chic aesthetic with natural tones of unpolished timber flooring, white marble and timber topped tables, and beige coloured furnishings. The centrepiece open kitchen adds a theatrical element to the dining experience, while colourful arrays of Mexican produce are showcased on surrounding wall shelves. An adjoining room, offers a more relaxed, living room vibe – and is also good for private groups. Outdoors, the expansive deck provides a laid-back setting with pleasing views across the courtyard greenery to the restored original chapel.
Cuisine The rewarding menu constructed by accomplished Executive Chef Remy Lefebvre explores the diversity and complexity of regional Mexican cuisines with a comprehensive range of dishes that include his modern take on Mexico City street foods, plus refined interpretations of traditional Mexican main dishes such as Prawn Enchilidas Verdes and Suckling Pig Carnitas. Familiar Tacos dishes are upgraded with nuanced flavour combinations of authentic Mexican ingredients accented with freshly made in-house salsas and sauces. Other menu highlights include flame-grilled cuts of premium NZ Black Angus beef in dishes such as the Angus Beef Burrito, and seafood dishes that include the classic Grilled Octopus, as well as the spicy Snapper Ceviche, and Razor Clam Ceviche.
Drinks A concise compilation of sophisticated cocktails, imaginatively designed with appropriate Mexican flavour inflections, headline the drinks list. Premium mezcals, tequilas and rums, homemade infusions, and well-balanced ingredients create refreshing and flavourful reinterpretations of Latino cocktail classics like the margartita-inspired signature El Mero Mero; Daiquiri Ahumado; and Smokey Mai Tai. A good selection of Mexican, South American and Spanish wines, together with Mexican beers ideally complement the bold flavours of the cuisine.
El Mero Mero opens daily, serving lunch from 12pm, and dinner from 5:30pm until late. A special set lunch menu entices with 2 or 3-course options at S$28 and S$32 respectively. Check the El Mero Mero Facebook Page for upcoming events and menu specialties.
