Chef Juan Meza, the Chef de Delicacies at Rosewood Baha Mar in Nassau, Bahamas, brings a wealth of data and fervour for Mexican flavors to the resort’s culinary choices, particularly on the signature restaurant, Costa.
With a wealthy background steeped in regional Mexican delicacies and a deep appreciation for agave spirits, Chef Meza seamlessly incorporates mezcal and tequila into his dishes and cocktails. His distinctive potential to mix the advanced flavors of mezcal with ingenious coastal delicacies has made him a sought-after knowledgeable within the discipline. As one of many main cooks exploring the flexibility of agave spirits, Chef Meza has developed a repute for crafting memorable experiences that spotlight the depth of those spirits.
We requested Chef Juan to share his insights on the rising recognition of mezcal, its variations from tequila, and the way he incorporates it into each meals and cocktails.
As somebody with deep information of regional Mexican flavors, how did your ardour for agave spirits like tequila and mezcal start, and what retains you fascinated by them immediately?
My ardour for agave spirits like tequila and mezcal developed naturally by way of my expertise as a chef, the place I explored their versatility each within the kitchen and past. Tequila and mezcal will not be simply elements for cocktails; they’re deeply rooted in Mexican tradition and may improve gastronomy in shocking methods. For instance, mezcal’s smoky complexity pairs superbly with seafood dishes, whereas an aged tequila provides candy, caramelized notes that elevate desserts. The power to experiment with these flavors and textures retains me continuously impressed and keen to find new culinary functions.
Mezcal is rapidly gaining recognition, particularly as folks uncover its smoky, advanced flavors. What do you assume is driving this rising curiosity in mezcal?
A number of elements are fueling the rise of mezcal’s recognition. In contrast to different spirits, mezcal affords a variety of taste profiles, from intensely smoky to floral and fruity, relying on the kind of agave and manufacturing course of.
Shoppers more and more respect artisanal and handcrafted merchandise, and mezcal’s conventional manufacturing strategies align with this pattern. Bartenders have embraced mezcal in modern cocktails, showcasing its depth and flexibility. With extra occasions, tastings, and social media publicity, individuals are turning into extra conversant in mezcal and its cultural significance. Moreover, as folks search deeper connections with food and drinks, mezcal has develop into a gateway to exploring Mexico’s wealthy historical past, traditions, and gastronomy.
Mezcal and tequila are each constructed from agave, however they’ve distinct variations. Are you able to break down the important thing distinctions between the 2 and the way they impression the best way they’re loved in cocktails and delicacies?
Whereas each spirits come from agave, their manufacturing processes and taste profiles differ considerably. Tequila is made completely from blue agave (Agave tequilana), leading to a extra uniform and recognizable taste. Mezcal, then again, may be crafted from over 30 completely different agave varieties, akin to Espadín, Tobalá, and Arroqueño, every contributing distinctive flavors and aromas.
Tequila is usually produced utilizing industrialized strategies, whereas mezcal follows a extra conventional course of, usually involving pit-roasting the agave, which imparts its signature smoky character. Tequila’s brilliant, clear style makes it very best for traditional cocktails like margaritas, whereas mezcal’s smoky depth provides complexity to each cocktails and savory dishes. Mezcal’s boldness enhances grilled meats, whereas tequila pairs effectively with citrus-forward and refreshing dishes.
With regards to choosing the appropriate bottle of mezcal or tequila, what ought to somebody search for, particularly in the event that they’re new to agave spirits? Are there sure areas, agave sorts, or getting older processes that stand out?
When selecting a tequila, all the time search for bottles labeled “100% agave” to make sure purity and prime quality. For mezcal, the agave selection performs an enormous position in taste. For those who’re new to mezcal, Espadín is a superb start line—it’s the most typical and accessible selection, providing a well-balanced profile.
Jalisco is probably the most well-known tequila-producing area, recognized for its clean and refined expressions. Oaxaca is the guts of mezcal manufacturing, however wonderful mezcals additionally come from Durango, San Luis Potosí, and different states, every providing distinct regional traits.
The getting older course of additionally performs a task in choosing the appropriate bottle. Blanco tequila is unaged and crisp, very best for cocktails. Reposado tequila, aged for not less than two months, has a smoother character with hints of oak. Añejo tequila, aged for not less than one yr, develops wealthy, advanced flavors greatest loved neat.
You’ve talked about the significance of pairing mezcal and tequila with the appropriate meals. What are a few of your favourite pairings, and why do sure spirits complement particular dishes so effectively?
Pairing agave spirits with meals enhances each components, making a extra immersive expertise. Mezcal’s smokiness superbly enhances seafood dishes like ceviche, grilled octopus, and shellfish, including depth with out overpowering delicate flavors. Añejo tequila, with its candy caramel notes, pairs completely with desserts like churros, flan, or darkish chocolate. Reposado tequila, with its slight oakiness, enhances the flavors of wealthy, spicy dishes like mole or cochinita pibil.
Mezcal is commonly savored slowly, however what’s the easiest way to drink it to really respect its flavors? Are you able to share some recommendations on find out how to correctly take pleasure in mezcal, particularly for newcomers?
Ingesting mezcal is about mindfulness and appreciation. One of the simplest ways to take pleasure in it’s by sipping slowly—taking “little kisses” (besitos) relatively than ingesting it in a single gulp. Take a small sip and let it coat your palate. Breathe by way of your nostril as you sip to absorb the complete aroma. Maintain it in your mouth for a couple of seconds to expertise the complexity of flavors. Swallow slowly, then exhale gently by way of your mouth to completely respect the smoky and earthy notes. This methodology helps new drinkers ease into mezcal’s boldness whereas really savoring its depth.
Mezcal is thought for its versatility in cocktails. What’s your favourite mezcal-based cocktail to make, and what makes it particular?
There are numerous mezcal cocktails I really like, however two stand out. The primary is a Tamarind Mezcal Cocktail, which was one of many first mezcal drinks I attempted. It completely balances candy, tart, and smoky flavors with tamarind pulp, Espadín mezcal, and a touch of recent lime. It’s refreshing but advanced, making it a fantastic introduction to mezcal for rookies. The second is a Mezcal Negroni, a contemporary twist on the basic cocktail. It swaps gin for mezcal, making a daring but balanced drink. The smokiness of mezcal, the bitterness of Campari, and the sweetness of vermouth work harmoniously to boost one another’s flavors, making it a favourite amongst mezcal lovers.
About Chef Juan Meza
“Rosewood Baha Mar’s Chef de Delicacies, Juan Meza, joined the lodge in 2018, main the staff at restaurant Costa. Drawing from his Mexican upbringing and culinary experiences, Juan crafts coastal dishes with distinctive Mexican flavors. His early profession in Toluca’s native eating places sparked his ardour for hospitality. After learning Worldwide Gastronomic Enterprise Administration and dealing at Resort Barcelo Riviera Maya and Grand Velas’s Cocina de Autor, Juan honed his expertise with award-winning Chef Xavier Perez Stone at Axiote. At Costa, Juan blends his Mexican heritage with recent Bahamian produce to create flavorful, ingenious dishes.
About Rosewood Baha Mar: An exquisite oceanfront vacation spot positioned on the pristine white sands of Cable Seashore, Rosewood Baha Mar affords vacationers a refined, tropical escape with 226 visitor rooms that epitomize Caribbean glamour. Suites and ocean-side villas embrace customized butler service, and the Oceanside Six-Bed room Villa affords a sublime escape with a non-public infinity pool set on the beautiful shoreline.
The non-public, tri-level Cabana Pool and the Lagoon Pool supply resort company complete serenity with luxurious cabanas and devoted pool attendants, whereas a whirlpool is tucked away amid gently swaying bamboo timber. Visitors can take pleasure in 5 signature eating venues throughout the resort, together with Café Boulud The Bahamas, led by globally famend Chef Daniel Boulud, and Costa, a premier eating choice providing coastal cuisines with intriguing Mexican flavors, led by Chef de Delicacies Juan Meza. Sense, A Rosewood Spa, is a sanctuary that honors the normal therapeutic practices of Bahamian tradition by way of the Misplaced Cures remedies.
Rosewood Baha Mar has partnered with The Bahamas Reef Atmosphere Academic Basis (BREEF) to supply enjoyable, instructional applications for company centered across the Coral Reef Sculpture Backyard, a habitat for marine organisms, created by native Bahamian artists and residential to the world’s largest underwater sculpture and residing artwork gallery.
“Far more than a calming Caribbean trip, Rosewood Baha Mar is a playground for tastemakers, artists, and voyagers.”
