Taco all about it, a new mexican eatery is about to spice up Miranda.
El Camino Cantina is expanding its footprint, with the latest hub of enchilada-loving taste buds to hit Sutherland Shire.
The chain already has spots in The Rocks, Manly and another in the works at Moore Park.
This latest arrival is bright, lively, neon-lit and brings Tex Mex to town with cuisine that won't frown at a extra guac or sour cream request.
The new restaurant in Westfield Miranda's rooftop dining and entertaining precinct will seat 280 people, including on the 180-person outdoor terrace. There will be festive lighting, and a sizeable stage for live bands and other weekend performances.
It's the latest expansion for the brand, which also operates in Brisbane and Melbourne, all under the guidance of Rockpool Dining Group (Sake, Rosetta, Burger Project and the well-known Rockpool Bar & Grill). It will create about 45 full-time can casual jobs for new recruits.
Menu-wise, all of the chain's favourites will make the jump to the new spot. Slushie machines will serve up brain freezes in margarita form, with El Camino's in multiple sizes and many renditions, including a tropical Red Bull flavour. Other options span a host of beers from near and far, and a sizeable collection of mezcals and tequilas.
The food line-up remains fun and casual, like the drinks. Think fiery buffalo wings, sizzling fajitas, plump burritos, soft shell tacos loaded with punchy flavour combinations ,and unlimited complimentary corn chips and salsas. And keep your fingers crossed that some of the brand's specials - such as 10 cent wings and $2 tacos - make it to this venue, but that is yet to be confirmed.
A crowd-pleasing menu includes house-made tortillas and complimentary, bottomless chips and vibrant salsas, which are served from restored Ford and Chevy trunks and are available all day.
Signature dishes include a selection of soft-shell tacos stuffed with seven flavour combinations, including mushrooms with chipotle coleslaw, yoghurt and scallions, and beer-battered barramundi doused with green mango salsa and jalapeno aioli. All tacos can be upgraded to Cadillac versions with the addition of Mexican rice and refried beans on the side.
Nachos are served with chilli con carne or vegetarian chilli, and a loaded version is topped with melted cheese, black beans, chilli con carne, smoked BBQ brisket, pico de gallo, sour cream and guacamole. Sizzling fajitas come with a choice of six fillings, including confit portobello, and hickory-smoked BBQ brisket, which is slow-braised for six hours.
A trio of big-hitting burritos are stuffed with chipotle chicken, brisket and queso, or black bean and vegetables. A naked burrito, served from an iceberg lettuce bowl, bursts with avocado, salsa fresca, red cabbage, cucumber, onion, beans, corn and tortilla crisps. Add a protein boost with the inclusion of adobe-spiced chicken breast, Angus beef or prawns.
Decor - think loud and over-the-top, rock 'n' roll jukeboxes and fluorescent signage.
Walls are a visual feast of neon signage, bright artwork, bold rock posters and colourful calavera, which mix with accents of rustic Mexican haciendas, including weathered wood and reclaimed timbers, rustic recycled bricks and breeze blocks, decorative tiles and ornamental touches.
The venue is flooded with festive lighting, feature walls and custom-designed artwork by Australian punk music and surf art icon Ben Brown, including a whole-of-wall piece featuring a Day of the Dead-style mariachi band and calaca, or skeletons.
Seating is a mix of El Camino Cantina's signature, colourful, group-sized, high-topped tables and stools, as well as smaller seating arrangements and private booths - perfect for pairs of diners, small groups and large parties.
Rockpool Dining Group Chief Executive Officer Thomas Pash says Sydney's south will enjoy having a fun and affordable new mex experience.
"We're thrilled to be bringing our legendary Tex-Mex restaurant and bar to Westfield Miranda," Mr Pash said.
"We take a no holds barred approach to all things Tex-Mex: from the food and drinks, to the fit-out, and music and we're inviting all of our Sydney fans to come and join us for a fabulous opening weekend fiesta."
It opens on Friday, August 30, with a sombrero-splashed party from 11am.
There will be spectacular, signature margaritas, chalices of beer, wine and tequila for $7.50 each, until close of business on Father's Day, Sunday, September 1. Kids under 12 eat free from midday-3pm and there will be face-painting.