Izamal: Modern Mexican Takeover at Naïm

Overview

For a brief period this winter, Naïm is switching its Middle Eastern focus for Mexican cuisine — and it's inviting a top Mexican chef along to showcase his modern-style fare. You'd usually find Julio Aguilera cooking up a storm in both South and North America, including a previous stint at San Francisco's two-Michelin-star restaurant Saison; however between July 3–6 and again from 10–13 he'll be doing his best in Paddington.

On the menu at this pop-up is a five-course Mexican degustation, all made from locally-sourced ingredients. Joining forces with Naïm's Vince Estacio, Aguilera will retain the tastes, textures and spices he knows and loves, while working in Aussie seafood, wagyu and the like. "It's an exciting challenge to build the flavour profiles of Mexican cuisine with ingredients from the other side of the world," the chef explains.

Hospitality professional Matt Goodman will be working on the wine and spirits pairings, with the sit-down affair costing $80 per person. It's available for vegan diners as well.

After serving up dinners for the bulk of their visit, Aguilera and Goodman will also turn Naïm into a Mexican block party on Sunday, July 14.

Image: Naïm.