A friendship between two matriarchs living on different continents has culminated decades later in the opening of a restaurant in Chiswick inspired by the regional cuisine of north Mexico.
Mirtala was launched earlier this summer by Indian-born husband-and-wife duo Rishad and Benaisha Mehta, and is named after a Mexican friend of Rishad’s grandmother, Aloo. The pair met while travelling in Europe and their families have stayed in touch through three generations.
Initially flying under the radar, Mirtala has began to attract attention including from critic Jay Rayner, whose enthusiastic review in last weekend’s Financial Times was written before the restaurant’s taco press was in operation. He was still mightily impressed.
Rishad makes everything from scratch from authentic recipes, using the best Mexican and British ingredients he can get hold of and producing a dozen different salsas, sauces and marinades varying in style and heat that serve as the backbone of the menu.
Highlights include Mirtala’s large-format taco and barbacoa platters featuring everything from Wagyu beef and fresh hake to wild mushrooms and slow-cooked pork, alongside housemade salsas and accompaniments. Cocktails and desserts are also taken seriously.