Patrons of the South Grand business district recently gained another choice of watering holes with the opening of Mojo Tapas Restaurant & Bar.
The space was formerly occupied by the short-lived Parkside Lounge and Erato Wine Bar. portions of exposed brick are a holdover from the previous architecture, but short dividers have been added to section off the dining room from the bar. outside seating is also a bonus for those wishing to dine and drink al fresco.
In the spirit of the bar’s Spanish motif, we ordered house-made sangria (white wine, brandy, peach schnapps, and orange and pineapple juices). It did not make a great first impression, at least visually.
However, appearances are sometimes deceiving, as the balance of flavors was well crafted, thankfully heavy on the wine and brandy.
A lemon basil mojito (white rum, simple syrup, soda, lemon, basil) was underwhelming and unfortunate. The basil flavor was quite strong, and so was the syrup, resulting in an overly sweet drink with the rum getting lost in the mix.
After seeing Chambord and lime juice as ingredients in a Haiku (Tanqueray gin, Chambord, tonic, lime juice, mint), we were expecting a drink as magnificent as the Royale’s Butler Miller. but Mojo’s version lacked the tartness we hoped for, and the sweet flavors took over. a bit more lime juice and alcohol, and this drink would have had us writing haiku.
A blueberry muffin martini (Pearl blueberry vodka, St. Brendan’s Irish Cream, amaretto, white creme de cocoa) packed a lot of alcohol in a very good way. The blueberry taste was subtle, the creaminess perfect. We’ll take one of these with our coffee for breakfast, please.
Businesses come and go on South Grand, a revolving door of promise and disappointment. With an extensive tapas and drink menu, Mojo might have what it takes to make itself a permanent fixture.
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