CAROLINE BOYLE OF MEXICO TO ROME AND SALAMANCA Mexico to Rome is a bit of a veteran in Temple Bar, what inspired you to open it? Yes, Mexico to Rome is nearly 20 years in business in Temple Bar, and it is a wonderful achievement to be still working away at it. We are absolutely delighted to be still going strong. It was a collaboration of ideas at the time between us and our then Head Chef. We were previously an Italian restaurant which was called Pizza Pasta, but at that time in 1996, would you believe, Temple Bar was awash with Italian restaurants. We wanted to be different, to catch a new market, myself and Chef came up with combining both cuisines as a theme. A brain storming session led to the name Mexico to Rome, and it has remained so to this day! What is the key ethos to Mexico to Rome? Our ethos is to prepare cook and serve hearty, tasty, dishes in a wonderful atmosphere with friendly service. Our Mexican food is unique to us, yet
authentic in many respects. Our Italian dishes are recipes which we have improved upon over the years. We have added to our menus over the years and tried and tested a lot. There is always work to do! Can you tell me about the team in the kitchen? Most of my team are with me for years, some are newcomers. They know the recipes inside out. They are a loyal, hardworking lot who aren’t afraid to experiment with new creations, whilst respecting some legendary dishes on our menus.
updated à la carte menu, which has some exciting new Mexican and Italian dishes, and which are already proving extremely popular. We are also offering daily specials, which gives our chefs the opportunity to try and test various dishes. We have a €9.95 lunch special which is amazing value – it comprises of a starter, a main course, and a glass of wine or a soft drink. Then of course we still have our Early Bird menu which is equally as good, and consists of a starter and main for €13.50. As they say in the movies, watch this space!
You also run Salamanca, a tapas restaurant. How do the two compare? It must be quite a challenge ? Mexico to Rome and Salamanca both classify as casual dining, but that’s where the similarities end. Salamanca is Spanish, the creations are totally different to Mexico to Rome. It is extremely challenging, managing and marketing two totally different concepts, especially in different locations. It’s full-on hard work but I absolutely love the challenge, and I’m constantly striving to be better than my competitors in both restaurants! Thankfully I have an excellent team in both who share my ethos and values. I couldn’t possibly do it without them. What plans do you have for the future for Mexico to Rome? Any menu changes? Right now we are giving Mexico to Rome a slight facelift, which is due to be completed shortly. We have recently launched our
Mexico to Rome, 22 Essex Street, Temple Bar, D2 (www.mexicotorome.ie) and Salamanca, 1 St. Andrew Street, D2 (www. salamanca.ie)