Louisville Magazine is Louisville's city magazine, covering Louisville people, lifestyles, politics, sports, restaurants, entertainment and homes. Includes a monthly calendar of events.
Issue link: https://loumag.epubxp.com/i/214077
food & drink On, um, research trips across the border to Guadalajara, Mexico City and Oaxaca — "the Paris of Mexico" — co-owner Shawn Cantley found the Mexican-style lucha libre wrestling masks displayed on a freplace mantel. The same trips inspired a section of the restaurant nicknamed "the Church," with votive candles and custom-made stained glass. "The Silver Dollar is loud all the (expletive) time, and there's nothing we can do about it because it's just one big open room," Cantley says. "But this space is a beast. So the Church can be a little quieter." "We're using the methodology of craft cocktails, but it's less about vests and bowties and mustaches and more about…I mean, tiki should be fun," says general manager Colin Shearn, 37, who came to town from Philadelphia to help open St. Charles Exchange downtown. El Camino does classic tiki drinks with excellent names: Mexican Firing Squad, Daisy de Santiago, Hotel Nacional. A "bomber" is a 20 (or more)-ounce bottle of beer, likely from California or Mexico. Mezcal, tequila and rum — so much rum. "Sipping rums are unfamiliar in the literal heart of bourbon country," Shearn says, "but a lot of them drink like a good whiskey." Also, punches. "Big straws, no cups," Shearn says. "It's something you do with people you have a bond with. And if not, you're about to have a bond with them." The Luau Scorpion ($45, pictured), which serves six, comes with a shot of 150-proof rum that's set ablaze. "And of course we're selling a shit-ton of margaritas, which is awesome," Shearn adds. 70 LOUISVILLE MAGAZINE 12.13