Mad Mex in Surry Hills, Sydney, does away with ponchos and the gaudy paraphernalia, opting for a modern take on the Mexican eatery.
September 16th, 2008
This article is an excerpt from the current Issue #34 of Indesign Magazine. For the full text grab yourself a copy from good newsagents and book stores.
Think of a Mexican eatery that you have been to. No doubt the experience would have included a dark and texturally chaotic interior, a sombrero and posters of bull fighters decorating the walls, and traditional music originating from the mustachioed, guitar-wielding owner.
In the thick of Sydney’s Surry Hills, one of the busiest hubs for quick and tasty food, is the Mad Mex Fresh Mexican Grill. Not only does the interior reflect a contrast, but the food itself offers a new way of experiencing Mexico.
Owner, Clovis Young, a self-confessed Mexican food obsessive, decided to bring the concept of Baja Mexican to Australia after discovering a gap in the market for gourmet made-to-order Mexican food. Referring to the peninsula of land situated between California and Mexico, Baja blends traditionally bold Mexican flavours with health-conscious cuisine typical of California. This has resulted in a menu created by world-renowned chef Rafael Nazario of Sydney’s Guzman y Gomez, providing low-fat, low-carbohydrate, dairy-free or gluten-free options that still taste undeniably Mexican.
Giant Design’s concept for the interior is also a long way from the traditional, while still retaining a strong Mexican aesthetic. It is light and open as opposed to dark and closed off. The transparent food preparation area is honest and creates a sense of theatre, the chefs visible as they cut and cook the various fillings. A communal table adds to the energy of the space.
The finishes bring the textures of Mexico into a modern environment. Concrete breeze blocks, re-cycled and distressed timber and plaster wall panels evoke a sense of the rustic outdoor lifestyle, translating the aesthetic of the traditional clay home or adobe…
To read the rest of this aarticle and many more subscribe to Indesign Magazine visit indesignlive.com/subscribe
Photographer – Andrew Worssam
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
Design that inspires and solves problems. This is the philosophy of Design Within Reach – and thanks to Herman Miller, the exceptionally crafted collections of this San Francisco founded design giant are now available in Australia and New Zealand.
In the hopes of a regenerative future, voices of passion and activism are leading the way in restoring our landscape to give generations the brighter planet that they deserve. A leader in global sustainability, Interface® is changing the game by overcoming humanity’s biggest challenge of climate change.
As a brand using design and innovation to shape how people experience water for over half a century, it is only fitting that sustainability is at the heart of VOLA’s ethos. With their philosophy anchored in longevity, careful management of resources and mindful operations, the original modern tap designer is protecting the planet for future generations – one timeless product at a time.