A hidden gem in the trendy Le Marais neighborhood of Paris, the Candelaria bar is probably the best well-kept secret among Parisians. And from November 16th to 20th it comes to Hong Kong. A private area of the Ritz-Carlton’s Ozone will be dedicated to recreating the speakeasy bar at an altitude of 490 meters above sea level.
Opened in 2011, Candelaria welcomes diners with a taco counter and communal tables in a bright white setting. Specializing in agave spirits-infused cocktails, the bar has been named one of the world’s 50 best bars for five consecutive years and recognised by Tales of the Cocktail.
For five nights “hipsters in Hong Kong” will have an exclusive opportunity to sample a range of experimental cocktails crafted by Candelaria’s bar manager Ivan Avellaneda, and fierily delectable tacos recreated by Ozone’s chef de cuisine Rafael Gil using original recipes from Candelaria. The adventure to the Hong Kong version of Paris’ unrevealed treasure begins at the hotel lobby, as the pop-up bar has its own entrance which has never been open to the public. Guests will be directed by dedicated pathfinders through an “unmarked, barely noticeable” doorway to a private area with a white counter showcasing the activities of the chefs and a bar counter.
Ivan Avellaneda is set to “rouse Hong Kong nightlifers” with six of his signature cocktails. Not to be missed is the iconic La Guepe Verte – “a punchy spice-infused tequila blanco cocktail balanced with a hint of freshness from the grassy mix of cucumber, coriander and lime and agave syrup.” While ladies should apparently look no further than Amor & Deudas – a tequila blanco, aperol and crème de menthe-based cocktail “mellowed by the fruitiness of lemon and pineapple, allowing the subtle sweetness of jalapeño syrup and coconut sugar to shine through.” A blend of mezcal, tequila blanco, amaro Montenegro, lime and chinotto soda, Al Son de Labatanga is a “palatable bubbly treat to stir one up to the temptations of a fun night out.”
Complementing the inventive cocktails is a selection of Mexican snacks including tacos, tostadas, guacamole, salsa and chocolate dessert, developed from Candelaria’s very own recipes with a playful touch by Ozone’s Spanish chef de cuisine Rafael Gil.
