Latin Influence at Mayahuel: Artisanal Mezcal, Tequila, and Flavorful Bites

One of my favorite #NYC experiences is the delicious Latin-influenced menu and ethical #mezcal and #tequila offerings at Mayahuel. #Mayahuel is the Aztec Goddess of the maguey (agave) plant, and staff at this restaurant and bar basically worship the stuff. Leave any preconceived notions of waking up with a tequila shot hangover at the door, as instead of big brands like Patron and Sauza that rely on money and marketing to sell their products, Mayahuel works with small farmers using 100% agave-based spirits you'll want to sip and savor. While I haven't had all of their 50+ cocktails, I have tried about 15 of them, as well as a number of the tequilas and mezcals (I typically prefer the smokiness of mezcal over tequila). My picks: the Mezcal MarcaNegra straight, or the #spicy "Herb Albert" cocktail from the Some Like It #Hot Menu, featuring Mezcal, Jalapeno infused Blanco, lime, and fresh oregano. For #food, the chilaquiles, tuna tacos and the above-shown "Palomitas" -- popcorn cooked in lime and topped with cotija cheese and chile de arbol -- are the stuff dreams are made of.