Espiritu: Seafood-Centric Sister to Bacanora Impresses
Mesa, Ariz. - Espiritu, meaning "spirit" or "mind," offers a vibrant seafood-focused dining experience as the sister restaurant to popular spot Bacanora. This lively venue boasts an extensive cocktail menu, playfully divided into sections like "Shooketh," "Stirredeth," "Choose Your Own Adventure," and "Shots and Other Mistakes."
Culinary Expertise:
Crafted by chefs Nadia Holguin, Rene Andrade, and Roberto Centeno, the menu showcases fresh seafood dishes. A highlight is the whole fried snapper, a quintessentially Mexican dish executed with exceptional flavor and technique. The crispy, perfectly battered fish boasts succulent, tender meat and is complemented by drizzled chili oil. Served on a bed of julienned chayote squash, carrot, red onion, and tomatillo, the dish features a delightful interplay of textures and flavors, accentuated by a drizzle of local honey, lime, mint, and cilantro.
Beyond the Snapper:
Other menu favorites include the Aguachile Verde de Camarón, featuring shrimp crudo cured with lime, red onion, cucumber, cilantro, and sal de chiltepin – a refreshing summer dish with a touch of heat. Every dish at Espiritu reflects thoughtful preparation and attention to detail.
Vivid Atmosphere:
The restaurant's ambiance is striking. Verdant walls adorned with antique mirrors and overflowing potted plants create a lush environment. Vintage black and white photographs depicting Mexican life line the walls, adding a touch of history. Candles flickering on countertops evoke a sense of reverence and mystique, perhaps reminiscent of an ofrenda (offering). The atmosphere is further enhanced by a curated playlist of contemporary and traditional Mexican music.
Cocktail Creativity:
The bar program offers a playful selection of cocktails, including:
El Pirata Chingon: Barrel-aged rhum agricole, pineapple amaro, cold brew coffee, falernum syrup, and singed orange.
Los Caidos: Coconut oil-washed mezcal, Oaxacan rum, triple sec, velvet falernum, Jamaican pecan orgeat, cream of coconut, lime juice, pineapple juice, tiki bitters, and aromatic bitters, served in a skull and misted with red tiki bitters for a dramatic effect.
A Hidden Gem:
While Espiritu may not yet have received widespread recognition, it's poised to become a favorite among fans of Bacanora seeking a vibrant and flavorful seafood dining experience.
