August 12th, 2012
Mexican restaurants and bars inevitably seem to project an exuberant atmosphere of casual eating and drinking. Cafe Iguana in Hong Kong is no exception. A modern Mexican-themed restaurant and bar, Cafe Iguana serves up the classic Mexican fare, together with an impressive selection of premium quality tequilas. Located in the West Kowloon district of Hong Kong, on the open-air rooftop rotunda of the Elements upmarket shopping and lifestyle mall, Cafe Iguana is conveniently accessible to both visitors in the mall, local residents, and the multitude of office workers from the adjacent 118 level ICC Tower. The restaurant occupies a curving space that spreads out onto the open-air rotunda setting- with a combination of indoor and outdoor table settings. Bright and breezy during the days, in the evenings Cafe Iguana, and the other venues around the rotunda of Elements, lure a good mixed crowd wanting to unwind after a busy day with some stiff drinks and decent food in a relaxed, chilled out atmosphere .
Cafe Iguana opened at Elements in 2009, and is the creation of the highly regarded Cafe Deco Group, who also operate Stormies at Elements- which is directly next door to Cafe Iguana.
The facade of Cafe Iguana- opens onto the rotunda space on the rooftop of Civic Square @ Elements
The interior design of Cafe Iguana takes its cue from the vibrant colors usually associated with anything Mexican- the palette of bright orange, red, lime green blends with the softer tones of the blond timber furniture and bar counter. The long curving bar dominates the interior space, with the back wall showcasing the extensive range of premium tequila bottles. Brightly decorated booths extend along the back wall adjacent to the bar, and a series of solid timber high tables with bar stools, and smaller dining tables, are arranged both inside, and on the outdoor terrace area. The total capacity is not large -with about 70 seats available for diners
Indoor/outdoor communal high table
The interior space- with the main bar and dining booths
The vibrant colors of the interior dining booths evoke the Mexican theme
The main bar counter and wall of tequila bottles
The Food & Drinks
True to its Mexican theme, the Beverage List at Cafe Iguana is very much centred on premium tequilas, and tequila-based cocktails. The list of premium tequilas runs to several pages, with most of the celebrated tequila brands represented- including Patron, Jose Ceurvo, Suaza, 1800, Herradura, Corralejo and Deleon. Cafe Iguana are renowned for their house-infused tequilas ( using gold tequila as the base) – with 18 different flavors- such as strawberry, mango, chilli, and chocolate- available. Also popular are the classic frozen margaritas- in fruit blends such as mango and strawberry. The extensive list of tequila-based cocktails include 12 varieties of Patron Cocktails- utilising the different premium versions- Reposado, Anejo, etc; an equally broad range of Corralejo based cocktails – Corralejo Margarita– Corralejo Blanco mixed with Cointreau and the juice of fresh Mexican limes, shaken chilled and served on the rocks; and Mi Amor– Corralejo Reposado blended with fresh raspberry and pineapple juice and finished with creme de cassis and splash of passion.
In addition to the tequilas, Cafe Iguana also serve draft beers, selections of specialty Mexican bottled beers- Dos Equis, Modell Negra, Bohemia and Tecate. A compact list of wines are mostly from Spain, Italy, Argentina, and Chile, with a selection of French champagnes available. Sangria by the glass or jug- in three varieties; and wine margaritas- are popular refreshments.
The Food Menu includes Snacks and Appetizers for sharing- including Guacamoles; Nachos; Chorizo Frito; and Chili Prawn Tacos. Main dish specialties include- Fajitas; Burrito de Cerdo; Hamburguesa Mexicana– prime beef burger with grilled pineapple, roasted corn, jalapeno salsa and skin fries.
Nachos – tortilla chips layered with melted Asadero cheese, roasted corn, peppers, salsa and guacamole
Alambre al Pastor – grilled skewers of shrimp marinated in ancho chili, pineapple juice, honey and spices, “al-pastor” style served with roasted lime-oregano potatoes (also can be served with pork or chicken)
Fajitas – grilled chicken peppers, onions, salsa, guacamole and salsa
Strawberry Margarita- classic frozen margarita with Gold Corralejo tequila
Mango Margarita- classic frozen margarita with Gold Corralejo tequila
Corralejo Tequila Blanco– 100% Pure Agave. Agave flavour with a smooth and crisp finish.
Selection from the many premium tequilas available- Herradurra Anejo; Corralejo Anejo; Deleon Extra Anejo.
Cafe Iguana at Elements
Address: Shop R004, Civic Square @ Elements, 1 Austin Road West, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. Hong Kong
MTR: Kowloon station – Exit- Elements- 3 minutes walk.
Reservations: +852. 2196 8733
Website: www.cafedecogroup.com/
Opening hours:
Monday to Sunday : 11:30 am ~ 01:00 am
Promotions:
Happy Hours: Monday to Friday 3:00 pm ~ 8:00 pm (Thursday- all night) 30% discount on all standard drinks & house Margaritas
Tea Set: Daily 3:00 pm ~ 6:00 pm HK$98 per person ( Set is for two persons)
Sunday Brunch: 12:00 pm ~ 3:00 pm HK$118 per person
