MONTREAL - Ok I know you’re thinking “Are these guys serious, Pinq Taco?” well I’m here to say yes, they’re very serious and Pinq Taco has officially opened it’s doors for business. I showed up to support my best buddy Guv Lehal who recently graduated from the Cordon Bleu school in Ottawa and was given the opportunity to be the head chef. Pinq Taco is a tequila bar which also serves an authentic Mexican style tapas. The team had a soft launch or I guess what website owners would say, their “Beta” launch this past Tuesday. The old “Lodge” bar had been gutted and transformed into something refreshing, something new and exciting....the Pinq Taco was born.
I spent last winter and I’m in the process of spending this winter in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. I came back up for knee surgery and of course see some family and friends during the holidays. I thought it was pretty cool to see that some of Mexico's’ influence has made its way up here in Montreal. Local entrepreneurs Roger and Carlo have been working at a feverish pace to open the Pinq Taco. The bar aims to attract an older crowd, a niche market of clients that are looking for good musique, space, an intimate setting and delicious Mexican tapas accompanied by one if not the most extensive selections of tequila in Montreal.
In addition to having an authentic Mexican menu I thought the owners did a great job in keeping that trendy feel to the bar and losing itself entirely to the Mexican way which let’s be honest, can be very colorful and maybe a bit too much for St. Laurent. Set upon glittering walls, Pinq Tacos art work pays homage to Mexico. The combination of the pink and blue lights gives the bar as one of my friends said a “Miami feel” to the place. The bar is centrally located and features what appears to be crystal chandeliers overhead. I ventured downstairs to view the coat check area but most importantly the washrooms. To me, a bathroom says a lot about a club. If I see something that’s not inviting, dodgy looking, I’ll immediately lose respect for the place. But when I saw that these owners decided to break with the dodgy bathroom trend on St. Laurent, that’s when I knew these guys were really taking this venture serious.
Keeping in mind that Pinq Taco is still in beta mode, I thought I would mention what elements we liked and disliked....constructive feedback;
Dislikes;
-Sipping quality tequila just doesn’t seem right in your standard shot glass. I find wine tastes better in those big, nice wine glasses....the same should be applied to tequila. Better glasses = better taste
-The music was very loud where the front tables were located. It was very difficult to talk while eating.
-I didn’t have anything to dry my hands on in the washroom. Last thing I want is to shake a girls hand she thinks I pissed on them. The again what the hell am I doing shaking girls hands, maybe that’s why I’m single?
Likes;
-Prices are very good for both booze and food.
-By far the best ceviche in Montreal. I’m not just saying this because is a great friend because I’m that type of guy that will say the dress makes you look fat if it does. This ceviche is amazing!
-The lighting. The team did a great job with the ambience which really sets the tone.
-The music. I don’t know who this DJ was but it was great hearing funky tunes all night. The music seemed new, it was appreciated by this older group.
-The girls gone wild room. Yes, a special room located near the washrooms where anything goes. Just keep in mind that whatever happens in this room is shown live on the flat screens throughout the club. The possibilities are endless!
-The name says it all. I felt so wrong in telling my mom where I was heading out on Tuesday night. Moms’ reply “Wow, sounds like a nice place”. I’m going to assume that my mom has no clue what Pinq Taco means.
It’s always nice when writing these reviews to see entrepreneurs taking risks, pursuing something they believe in. Carlo and Roger have a fantastic location, existing clientele to market to and most importantly they’re offering some new in Montreal. Top that off with a good man leading the kitchen and this venture should work out for all those involved.
A suggestion that I’d like to make is in regards to the drinks. Back in Playa a lot of people will sip their drinks but what really sells well are various freshly made tequila based drinks i.e.. The Margarita. Long story short I had this one Margarita in Tulum with our film crew that was loved so much that the bar bill alone could have paid for a students tuition....for an entire year. Picture a mojito but with tequila. Win the ladies over with these original drinks and the guys will come.
I suggest that you come by and try the Pinq Taco. If there’s one thing I learnt in Mexico its that tequila can sometime produce priceless moments.......moments like these.
