Family, friends, local tradies, landlords and even neighbours have all come together with Kahli Swire and Juan Camilo Garzon to help them create an exciting new restaurant for Lakes Entrance.
La Catrina, a Mexican restaurant, is nearing completion and will open in early September in what was the old Miriams restaurant on the Esplanade.
It has been a team effort, but kudos must go to the couple who have created an artistic and vibrant setting to accompany the promised truly authentic Mexican dishes.
For the past 12 months they have worked towards their goal.
The idea first evolved when the couple were walking their dog along the Esplanade and spied the vacant building, agreeing it would be a perfect space for a Mexican restaurant.
“All the local tradies have been amazing, going that extra mile for us, and our landlords Roger and Lynne have been very supportive and hands on,” they said.
Juan is a well known chef in the area having cooked paellas at The Pitt and head chef at The General at Lake Tyers Beach.
He arrived in Australia in 2018 and worked in Melbourne, where he also furthered his studies with courses in Patisserie, social media and marketing.
Kahli, a proud mum, was born and raised in Lakes Entrance, and has always been passionate about this community and the coastal lifestyle.
She is keen to build more than a restaurant. Kahli’s vision is simple: a warm, welcoming space where locals and visitors come together for great food, good company and sunset margaritas overlooking the water.
The couple have been working on the menu for a year now, deciding what works and what doesn’t, visiting restaurants and doing the research.
They are sourcing local produce as much as possible but are also importing traditional, authentic ingredients from Mexico.
“We will have a seasonal menu that will change every six months. We want to sell the experience – smell, taste, presentation, and bring something on a level that hasn’t been seen in Lakes before,” the pair said.
Kahli has also been working hard at perfecting her margaritas which will go well while sitting outside overlooking the lake and beautiful Lakes Entrance.
They have liaised with Bancroft Distilleries who will bring their Artisan flavours to the experience.
The venue can seat over 100 guests and is available for events ranging from weddings, birthdays to booking a nice big table for a girls night out.
“We want the venue to be the coolest place in town with something from everyone,” Juan said.
