Tale of love, passion behind Mexico's 'boundary-pushing' Quintonil

Behind the growing international success of a Mexican restaurant named one of world’s best is a love story between two gourmets with a passion for blending traditional and contemporary flavours.

- SAMIR TOUNSI

Quintonil, which opened in 2012 in the upscale Mexico City neighbourhood of Polanco, already boasted two Michelin stars.

Now it is also ranked number three by the Michelin Guide's British rival, The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, which praised its “boundary-pushing” cuisine.

“Focused on fresh, local ingredients and traditional Mexican flavours and techniques weaved into modern preparations, it is fast becoming a classic,” it said.

Named after an aromatic plant from the southern state of Oaxaca, Quintonil stands behind only Maido in Lima and Asador Etxebarri in Spain in the list.

At the reception, Alejandra Flores — one half of the charismatic couple behind Quintonil — gives a taste of the hospitality and kindness for which Mexicans are known.

"I truly believe in the saying, ‘He who does not live to serve does not serve to live,” she said.

Service “must be a dance” or even an “embrace”, added Flores, who studied hospitality management in Switzerland.