Photo by Kevin. A Roberts
You can now add Nixta to your list of primo brunch spots.
Ben Poremba's Mexican restaurant in Botanical Heights—which earned a spot on Bon Appétit's list of top 10 best new restaurants of 2017—will begin brunch service this Sunday, February 11. Brunch will then be served every Sunday from 11 a.m.–3 p.m., with 2:30 p.m. being the last reservation slot.
The brunch menu will include eight classic Mexican dishes, with creative spins, such as chilaquiles, huevos motuleños, molletes, and churros. A tamal colado will be served with achiote-marinated cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork).
"We wanted something small and to the point," Poremba says of the menu. "Each [of the eight plates] is carefully thought out and complete."
On the beverage side, Poremba says to expect fresh-squeezed orange juice and agua frescas—plus such cocktails as a Bloody Maria, Michelada, and a Tequila Sunrise made with Nixta's own Código 1530 Single Barrel Tequila Rosa.
Reservations are not required but are recommended; they can be made online.
Elsewhere in Botanical Heights, Poremba's Elaia will host two "specialty culinary experiences" this month.
Beginning Saturday, February 10, through the end of the month (excluding February 22), the lauded restaurant will offer a tribute menu to the celebrated late French chef Paul Bocuse. Elaia's executive chef Ben Grupe has a 7-course menu planned that includes Truffle Soup VGE—a dish created by Bocuse for the French president in 1975—plus Scallop of Foie Gras, and Duck "Colbert." The dinner is priced at $125.
On Thursday, February 22, Elaia will host a Bliss Wine Imports Dinner at 7 p.m. The dinner includes Squab Pithivier, made with braised cabbage and huckleberry jus; and Iberico Pork Saddle, made with olive tapenade, tomato provencal, polenta, and lamb jus. Courses will include a wine pairing, selected by Bliss Wine Imports' advanced sommelier Andrey Ivanov, who once served as Elaia's general manager and wine director, as well as beverage director at Reeds American Table. The dinner is also priced at $125.
