Chef Juan Meza, the Chef de Delicacies at Rosewood Baha Mar in Nassau, Bahamas, brings a wealth of information and keenness 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 capacity to mix the complicated flavors of mezcal with ingenious coastal delicacies has made him a sought-after skilled within the discipline. As one of many main cooks exploring the flexibility of agave spirits, Chef Meza has developed a popularity for crafting memorable experiences that spotlight the depth of those spirits.
We requested Chef Juan to share his insights on the rising reputation 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 means of my expertise as a chef, the place I explored their versatility each within the kitchen and past. Tequila and mezcal usually are not simply elements for cocktails; they’re deeply rooted in Mexican tradition and might improve gastronomy in shocking methods. For instance, mezcal’s smoky complexity pairs fantastically 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 continually impressed and keen to find new culinary functions.
Mezcal is rapidly gaining reputation, particularly as individuals uncover its smoky, complicated flavors. What do you suppose is driving this rising curiosity in mezcal?
A number of elements are fueling the rise of mezcal’s reputation. In contrast to different spirits, mezcal gives a variety of taste profiles, from intensely smoky to floral and fruity, relying on the kind of agave and manufacturing course of.
Customers more and more recognize 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, persons are changing into extra acquainted with mezcal and its cultural significance. Moreover, as individuals search deeper connections with foods and drinks, mezcal has turn out to be 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 affect 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, however, may be crafted from over 30 totally different agave varieties, comparable to Espadín, Tobalá, and Arroqueño, every contributing distinctive flavors and aromas.
Tequila is often 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 vibrant, clear style makes it 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.
In the case of deciding on the proper 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 varieties, or ageing processes that stand out?
When selecting a tequila, all the time search for bottles labeled “100% agave” to make sure purity and top quality. For mezcal, the agave selection performs an enormous position in taste. In the event you’re new to mezcal, Espadín is a superb place to begin—it’s the most typical and accessible selection, providing a well-balanced profile.
Jalisco is essentially the most well-known tequila-producing area, identified for its clean and refined expressions. Oaxaca is the guts of mezcal manufacturing, however glorious mezcals additionally come from Durango, San Luis Potosí, and different states, every providing distinct regional traits.
The ageing course of additionally performs a job in deciding on the proper bottle. Blanco tequila is unaged and crisp, best for cocktails. Reposado tequila, aged for no less than two months, has a smoother character with hints of oak. Añejo tequila, aged for no less than one 12 months, develops wealthy, complicated flavors greatest loved neat.
You’ve talked about the significance of pairing mezcal and tequila with the proper 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 fantastically 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 usually savored slowly, however what’s one of the simplest ways to drink it to actually recognize its flavors? Are you able to share some tips about the way 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) reasonably than ingesting it in a single gulp. Take a small sip and let it coat your palate. Breathe by means of your nostril as you sip to soak up 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 means of your mouth to completely recognize the smoky and earthy notes. This methodology helps new drinkers ease into mezcal’s boldness whereas actually savoring its depth.
Mezcal is understood for its versatility in cocktails. What’s your favourite mezcal-based cocktail to make, and what makes it particular?
There are various 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 contemporary lime. It’s refreshing but complicated, making it a fantastic introduction to mezcal for newcomers. 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 reinforce one another’s flavors, making it a favourite amongst mezcal fans.
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 finding out Worldwide Gastronomic Enterprise Administration and dealing at Lodge 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 contemporary Bahamian produce to create flavorful, ingenious dishes.
About Rosewood Baha Mar: An attractive oceanfront vacation spot positioned on the pristine white sands of Cable Seashore, Rosewood Baha Mar gives vacationers a refined, tropical escape with 226 visitor rooms that epitomize Caribbean glamour. Suites and ocean-side villas embody customized butler service, and the Oceanside Six-Bed room Villa gives a chic escape with a non-public infinity pool set on the beautiful shoreline.
The personal, tri-level Cabana Pool and the Lagoon Pool supply resort friends complete serenity with luxurious cabanas and devoted pool attendants, whereas a whirlpool is tucked away amid gently swaying bamboo timber. Company 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 possibility 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 means of the Misplaced Cures remedies.
Rosewood Baha Mar has partnered with The Bahamas Reef Setting Instructional Basis (BREEF) to supply enjoyable, academic packages for friends 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.
“Way more than a calming Caribbean trip, Rosewood Baha Mar is a playground for tastemakers, artists, and voyagers.”
