SOL FOOD
Josh Lewis loves the simplicity of Mexican food. So much so, he made it the driving force behind his latest venture with Astrid McCormack, the tiny 10-seat La Casita. “Mexican cuisine is incredibly simple, but the dishes bring such complexity and depth of flavours,” says Lewis.
The trailblazing duo, who own the small yet prodigious Fleet, also in Brunswick Heads, snapped up the site for their new venture in March last year. And with a casual Mexican restaurant in mind, Lewis travelled to Mexico in search of authentic dishes to provide the foundation for a vibrant seasonal menu. He spent most of his time in Mexico City and the southern seaside state of Oaxaca, where he was inspired by traditional, home-style cooking.
“Some villages rely only on what they produce themselves, so dishes highlight just a few core ingredients,” says Lewis. It’s this focus on local, seasonal produce that drives his menu at La Casita. Whole snapper is rubbed with a sour-orange glaze and grilled over woodfire. Albacore is marinated in an achiote paste, grilled, and served with a spicy tomatillo salsa on handmade tortillas.
Cocktails pack a punch, too. Benny’s Margarita is mixed with a smoky combination of mezcal, orange and chilli; and a refreshing mix of tequila, lime and a pineapple tepache form the base for a twist on a classic Toreador.
It’s a playful, approachable menu showcasing traditional Mexican flavours in all their glory. “We wanted to create something that appealed to everyone, a relaxed environment where diners could come to have a good time,” says Lewis.
La Casita, 5/3 Fawcett St, Brunswick Heads, NSW, (02) 6685 1223, lacasita.com.au
Guacamole and totopos
SERVES 6 // PREP TIME 5 MINS
