Joaquín spills the beans

When Teatro Milagro's production of B'aktun 13 opened a couple weeks ago, audiences were treated to an incredible reception catered by the show's restaurant sponsor La Bonita. Dañel chatted briefly with Joaquín López about the menu and more ...

Dañel: So tell me about the vegan Mayan stew – people seemed to really like it and the fact that La Bonita food is always pretty healthy and sometimes vegan, unlike other Mexican restaurants.

Joaquín: The Eggplant Stew came to me one day when I was in the mood to create a vegan tostada option. I pretty much just went down the produce aisle and thought about the colors and tastes I thought would work well. I was lucky cause this dish not only looks beautiful and rich, it is also full of warm and savory flavors. The stew is made by first caramelizing onion, tomato and Brussels sprouts then stewed with eggplant, red cabbage and celery. To add spice, I add chipotle chile and cinnamon at the end. Unfortunately, I was channeling my inner Mexican chef; it is not a Mayan dish!

Dañel: The flan was fantastic – what is your “secret recipe”?

Joaquín: I like to call our flan a bi-cultural dessert: it's a cross between the American cheesecake and Mexican flan. The secret? a stick of Philadelphia cream cheese! This creates a different texture similar to cheesecake yet holds that familiar flavor that we know flan to be. And, with caramelized sugar on top who can resist?

Dañel: Tell us a little about the new location – I’m not sure if we have mentioned that since the last time we did a story on La Bonita.

Joaquín: Yes! Our new location is on the corner of North Killingsworth and Greeley next to the North Station food carts and Blend Coffee. Not only do we offer the same menu, we also serve cerveza; our new favorite friend! We are very fortunate to be there. We have wonderful neighbors. Many familiar faces from our Alberta store come in and express how happy they are that we are closer to their side of town. We are coming up to our one year anniversary February 18th!

Dañel: And not only are you a restaurateur, but you are also a musician and songwriter! When is the next time we might see Joaquín at the Jade or somewhere else around town?

Joaquín: Every first Sunday of the month at the Jade Lounge (2348 SE Ankeny) I hold Corazon Acustico: An evening celebrating the acoustic soul of the Americas. My hope it to create a night where folk musicians can play their hearts and soul in an intimate inclusive setting with an attentive audience. The audience is so diverse and so far response has been great. Soon, I will be creating Noche Bohemia, a late night event at La Bonita North where we can get a little louder and let our hair loose!

Visit La Bonita at its original location at 2839 NE Alberta St., or its newest restaurant at the corner of NE Killingsworth and Greeley.