DF / Mexico, a modern Mexican diner from the team behind Wahaca, is landing at The Old Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, on July 24th. The experimental residency is inspired by today’s bustling, cosmopolitan Mexico City (Distrito Federal) and will serve freshly prepared dishes with a US influence.
The idea for the 90-cover restaurant was born on the Wahaca founders’ recent road trip around Mexico and the United States. Inveterate travellers Thomasina Miers and Mark Selby met Mexican chefs and restaurateurs on pilgrimages to America’s cuisine capitals, and US gourmets crossing the border the other way for inspiration. The results were appealing, and Tommi and Mark enjoyed Mexican flavours in New York and Chicago’s diners, and bold, beefy Americana in Mexico City’s streets.
Brick Lane, well-known as a dynamic hub of multiculturalism, was chosen as a fitting spot for the experimental diner, and DF / Mexico will neighbour many of East London’s most loved independent shops, galleries and bars.
Award-winning designers, Softroom, has created an interior to reflect the energy of Distrito Federal, with green planters decorating the timber and glass entrance, and bar stools and booth seating looking out onto the street. Urban, industrial materials of blackened steel, concrete, formica and worn leather are used throughout while the ceiling is left open and exposed.
The restaurant walls are clad in warm grey tiles, and windows painted with graphic stripes echo a monochrome colour scheme. Diners seated at utilitarian oak and timber benches have a view of the steel and wood open kitchen pass, revealing the spirit of fast, accessible, high-quality urban dining.
Co-creator Thomasina Miers is looking forward to the opening, stating, ‘A short-term residency gave us the opportunity to test out something we were excited about; a diner to reflect the enterprising heart of Mexico, with bold flavours and fresh ingredients. Mark and I both love the eclecticism of Shoreditch and we can’t wait to remind people how delicious a proper carne con chile is!’
