On the heels of La Esquina’s 21st anniversary comes the launch of Treinta-Treinta: a new 28-seat mezcalería and cultural gathering space opening Friday, June 26th, in the restaurant’s former cantina on the corner of Kenmare and Lafayette in SoHo.
Conceived by La Esquina owners Derek Sanders and Ily Huemer, alongside longtime creative collaborator Scott Hill, Treinta-Treinta was created as an antidote to today's fast-paced digital culture – designed to encourage guests to slow down and connect through thoughtfully curated food, beverage, music, and artistic programming. Sharing below a breakdown of the overall experience, alongside food and beverage offerings:
The Experience:
- Inspired by the artist collectives of 1930s Mexico City, the concept evolves throughout the day, operating as a café serving traditional Café de Olla and house-made panadería before transforming into an intimate evening mezcalería and crudo bar showcasing rare agave spirits, inventive cocktails, coastal seafood, and caviar pairings.
- Designed for lovers of food, music, and culture, the warmly lit space features hand-textured walls, an extensive art collection, and custom furnishings handcrafted by Derek Sanders and fine woodworker James Wurzbach, reflecting a shared commitment to craftsmanship and timeless design.
- At its heart is a meticulously restored 1970s audiophile sound system featuring McIntosh amplifiers, Klipsch La Scala speakers, and a Linn Sondek turntable, with music programming curated by New York DJ and art curator Rob Aloia. A rotating calendar of exhibitions, poetry readings, listening sessions, and live performances further establishes Treinta-Treinta as a modern-day cultural salon.
Food:
- Morning: Offerings include house-made panadería such as sourdough brioche sweet bread topped with heirloom corn-infused vanilla craquelin and a decadent Tres Leches Croissant, twice-baked, soaked in three milks, and finished with toasted meringue.
- Evening: Designed for sharing, the food menu celebrates Mexico's rich culinary traditions through dishes including Chicken Tinga, Short Rib, and Pulpo Tostadas, a selection of Crudos featuring Tuna, Scallop, Ceviche, Razor Clams, and Charred Mushrooms, and Chapulines with Guacamole served with tostadas.
Drinks:
- Morning: The day begins at a rustic countertop where freshly squeezed juices and traditional Café de Olla, brewed in clay olla vessels that impart a distinct mineral depth, set the tone for a slower, more intentional experience.
- Evening: As the lighting dims, agave takes center stage with a carefully curated collection of small-batch mezcals and premium agave spirits, alongside cocktails such as: La Ceremonia - Ceremonial Matcha, Botanist Gin, Dry Vermouth, La Coca - Housemade Mexican Cola, Mount Gay Rum, Spicy Daisy - Tanteo Jalapeño, Cointreau, Lime, Orange
More than a mezcalería, Treinta-Treinta is designed as a space for conversation, discovery, and connection.