Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/10329
South of the Border Spirit at Hacienda de Vega alking into the Hacienda de Vega feels like walking into a time machine transporting you back into a historic Mexican past, complete with sparkling fountains, lush rolling lawns, adobe walls and the wafting savory smells of authentic culinary fare. Built in the 1930s as the model home for an adobe hous- ing community, for the past seven years, this sprawling property has been channeling the concept of a family restaurant in Mexico City, and putting it to action just north of San Diego’s booming downtown. But Hacienda de Vega’s not just a family-friendly place to grab a quick bite; tucked in the back of the estate is the restaurant’s River Lounge, a chic, modern take on an outdoor bar that manages to be equal parts sophisticated and comfortable—and just begs to be enjoyed with a Margarita. “There were no high-end, high-quality venues in North County,” explains owner Alonso Vega, a native of Mexico City and who’s mother, Patricia, turns out the restaurant’s signature dishes from old family recipes. W Cocktail success: Brandon Hazelrig from Hacienda de Vega mixes the bar’s Margarita del Señor. “The River Lounge is the perfect place to get a great drink without having to go all the way downtown,” says Vega. One of the restaurant’s top-selling drinks is the Margarita del Señor, made with Cuervo Tradicional Silver, which Vega believes is key to this cocktail’s success. “Cuervo is a very old brand that’s got great brand recogni- tion, and the Tradicional is reflective of that,” Vega attests. “It’s a tangy tequila, and dry. It goes very well with fruit flavors of the lime in the sweet and sour, and it’s balanced and mixable.” —R.B. Summer Kickoff at Emerald Spirits equila has come a long way from what it used to be,” says Chris McInerney, owner of Emerald Spirits in San Diego, a bright and airy liquor store that carries a noticeably impres- sive spirits selection—and there’s certainly plenty of tequila to go around. “The 100% agave market has escalated everyone’s palate, and brands are stepping up.” McInerney points to his crisp, perfectly- packed Cuervo display. “Cuervo has fit that bill perfectly. They’re always changing, always adapting to the market—that’s why they’re the leader.” “T The Cuervo tradition of excellence may be propelling Tradicional Silver to the top, but McInerney knows that it takes more than a brand name to make a bestselling product. “It’s new and it’s fresh, and the marketing push has been great and really helped draw in a younger crowd,” he explains. McInerney has been selling about three cases per month, but knows that with summer right around the corner, Tradicional Silver is about to skyrocket. “It’s got so much ap- peal and I expect to see a lot of growth coming into summer months, kicking off with Cinco de Mayo.” —R.B. Always be prepared: Chris McInerney, owner of San Diego’s Emerald Spirits knows that sales of Tradicional Silver will skyrocket during the summer months. may 2010 / the tasting panel / 79