Restaurant brings the true taste of Mexico
A NEW Mexican restaurant has created 10 jobs after opening in south Belfast.
El Chapo has taken the place of the former Birdcage restaurant in Stranmillis.
The eatery specialises in a range of tacos and tapas, as well as serving up different types of tequila.
The restaurant is the brain- child of the team behind the Boston Grill in Lisburn.
Owner Robert McGregor said: “When I first got the keys of the restaurant I really stripped it back and started designing the colour scheme, building it up from scratch.
“I had been looking for another restaurant location a year after we opened our first restaurant, Boston Grill in Lisburn.
“We had considered opening a second Boston Grill, but being a big fan of South America and Mexico we thought this style of restaurant would bring something different to the current offering in the Stranmillis area.
“Alongside our executive head chef Andrew Logan and head chef Phil Clasper we’ve really enjoyed putting together the El Chapo menu which will change seasonally.
“Tequila is rising in popularity as consumers move away from shots and look to drinking tequila in premium serves with mixers and in cocktails and we’ve sourced some really special tequilas for our drinks list,” he added.
“The restaurant has a lively vibe that will appeal to students, young professionals, families and theatre goers to the nearby Lyric”.
The owners say the interior decor includes neon signage, alongside “vibrant street art in a dimly lit cave-like setting serving firm favourites of tacos, quesadillas, chimichanga and burritos alongside pan-fried scallops, stuffed jalapeno poppers and chipotle pulled pork”.
Liam McAuley, associate director at GVA NI, who negotiated the letting, said: “It’s great to see such an exciting new restaurant open in the vibrant Stranmillis area creating new jobs and providing investment in a sector of the market which continues to go from strength-to-strength.”