Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/10329
COVER STORY The Tradition of Tradicón at Old Town Mexican Café O ld Town Mexican Café is open and already bursting with e nergy at 9 a.m., which isn’t too surprising, considering this favorite has been pleasing palates in this fun San Diego neighborhood for the past 33 years. The man responsible for the success of this hotspot is Herb Lizalde, the affable owner, who is busy securing permits for the restaurant’s annual Cinco de Mayo bash when THE TASTING PANEL arrives. Although Cinco de Mayo is a big deal at Old Town, every day feels a bit like a fiesta at this happening eatery, where customers can watch tortillas being made by hand, and waitresses glide around in long traditional Mexican skirts. But with two bars serving up Margarita after Margarita, there’s no doubt that the high-turnover beverage program is what this place is all about. “We do more tequila than anyone else in the country,” explains Lizalde, and it’s not just hot air. With shots and Margaritas like The Chevy (Cuervo Tradicional Silver, sweet and sour, a dash of orange juice and a Grand Marnier float—who needs a Cadillac, anyway?) flying off the backbar, Lizalde has also had a key vantage point to pay attention to tequila trends. “Silver tequilas are getting so much better,” Lizalde muses; “I’m loving that they’re not harsh like they used to be, and you can have a nice little sip, and acclimate your palate.” Cuervo has always been a popular seller at Old Town, and Lizalde has welcomed the Tradicional Silver with open arms. “It’s a great tequila,” he says without hesitation. “Tradicional is the one that you can use every day, and it’s perfect in the Chevy; just a great cocktail for the average working stiff.” —R.B. Margarita central: Bartender Rodrigo Vasquez moves cocktail after cocktail at Old Town Mexican Cafe in San Diego. A Twist on Tradicón at Playa Grill A Work as play: Adam Boyar, Bar Manager of Playa Grill and Margarita Bar, obvi- ously loves his job. 80 / the tasting panel / may 2010 s Adam Boyar stands behind the bar at Playa Grill and Margarita Bar in San Diego’s Mission Valley neighborhood, it’s easy to see that this is a man who loves his job. With a playful glint in his eye, the Bar Manager at this newly-opened urban eatery skillfully wraps an orange rind around a caramelized vanilla bean, the perfect accoutrement for one of his three signature Cuervo Tradicional Silver cocktails, the Navillarita. Boyar, who embodies the spirit and fun of mixology in all of his innovative cocktails, is loyal to the Cuervo brands because they share his dedication to providing a quality cocktail to the consumer. “Cuervo has the name that everybody recognizes, and now their higher-end stuff is becoming noticed and respected. Tradicional Silver can stand up to the best; it’s phenomenal.” —R.B. Navillarita 1½ oz. CJose Cuervo Tradicional Silver infused with vanilla bean 1 oz. vanilla liqueur 3 oz. house-made sweet and sour Rim with sugar. Garnish with a caramelized vanilla bean wrapped with an orange twist.