Limusina, Quality Branded’s new take on Mexican cuisine, is a stunning restaurant experience.
Last night, my best friend and I celebrated our birthdays with dinner at Limusina. The service, cocktails, cuisine, and chic interior decor created a delightful experience worthy of our official Libra stamp of approval.
Let’s break it down. Shall we?
The Design:
Photo Courtesy of Christian Harder
This massive undertaking was once a 5,000-square-foot parking garage. With the help of GRT Architects, Limusina has become a 3-level art installation. The interior decor is inspired by late 70s/early 80s New York, combining glam and grit. This is expertly executed through the implementation of ornate fixtures/color palettes juxtaposed against bare concrete columns. Aesthetically pleasing, dazzling design with a concept rooted in balance? Tell me that’s not a Libra’s decorative dream!
Photo Courtesy of Christian Harder
The Service:
The hospitality was impeccable. Our server, Ted, was as knowledgeable as he was kind. His menu explanations and courses exhibited the expert experience level of the staff. We were actually given time between our appetizers and main course to sip our drinks and gab (an absolute necessity for two Libra yappers) before the main course arrived.
The Cocktails/Cuisine:
Everything was quite simply put: magical. The inventive, heavenly cocktails were created by beverage director Bryan Schneider. The delicious dishes, created by executive chef and partner Craig Koketsu, were inspired by Mexican cuisine in Texas and California, with a touch of New York. The desserts were out of this world and were created by Pastry Chef Lucy Blanche.
Here’s Everything We Got and Loved:
DRINKS:
FLACA MARGARITA:
The crisp vanilla of the Mijenta Blanco was beautifully complemented by the spicy and complex citrus flavors from the blood orange and serrano tincture. It was served in the skinniest, tallest glass ever made. This is, without a doubt, the ultimate Libra drink.
GORDA MARGARITA:
Certainly the most unique Margarita I’ve ever tried! The Espolon Añejo tequila was fat-washed with Avocado- which made for a perfectly creamy, complex flavor for the coolest take on a margarita, maybe ever.
FROZEN VAMPIRO:
Photo Courtesy of Christian Harder
A delicious take on a Mexican classic- grapefruit and pomegranate sangrita and tequila!
NEON NEGRONI:
This drink made me like Mezcal! I’ve been on the fence for a while, so thanks, Limusina! Prickly-pear-infused Ilegal, Campari, and blanc vermouth. A perfect blend of sweet, bitter, and smoky!
APPS:
CHIPS AND GUACAMOLE:
Classic and delicious, and there is something diabolically good about the blue corn chips… witchcraft? Probably.
AMAEBI SWEET SHRIMP:
Photo Courtesy of Christian Harder
Made with Calamansi and blood orange. This was a perfect blend of umami, acidity, and bitterness.
AGUACHILE RED SNAPPER:
MY FAVORITE DISH OF THE NIGHT! Made with passion fruit and red snapper. The best aguachile I’ve ever had. So smooth. So Zesty. So briny.
STEAK BARBACOA SOLTEROS:
Photo Courtesy of Christian Harder
We got more of those delicious blue corn chips topped with salty and charred Barbacoa. Cheesy gooey yum.
MAINS:
LOBSTER AL PASTOR:
Made with achiote butter and pineapple pico de gallo. Perfectly marinated smoky lobster. Melted in the mouth.
PAN-ROASTED CHICKEN:
The texture was sooooo tender! Buttery melty chicken. So yum.
SIDES:
CAULIFLOWER LOCOS:
A full head of cauliflower with a Takis-shallot crumble topping. Why not? This was so unique and so good.
THE LONG BEAN KNOTS:
Tied up green beans. Seasoned just right.
DESSERTS:
TRES LECHES:
A different take on one of my favorite desserts! So dense and creamy.
DARK CHOCOLATE MASA TORTA WITH CHOCOLATE CARAMEL SAUCE:
I have no words. Genuinely just order it. Best chocolate cake.
If you’re a Libra, or genuinely just anyone with good taste, JUST MAKE A RESERVATION!!!!
