Carnal takes over Vago
1km: this is the short distance that Carnal travels, on April 16th, with glasses and plates full, to take over Vago. A few small steps for man, a giant leap for Carnal which, for the first time since its opening in November 2021, presents itself in a pop-up format, following what is its motto, shining in neon inside : “LIBRE”.
For the occasion, Rafael Vairinhos, João Franco and Bruno Fernandes, the trio running the bars of the 100 Maneiras group, brought together a selection of mixes that best represent the liquid soul of Carnal, where tequila and mezcal based cocktails combine the world of gastronomy with the universe of the bar in a gastronomical approach to classic mixology.
If no one is left thirsty, the mission of chef Luis Ortiz, the man who runs the kitchen of this Mexican gastrobar (and who, before that, worked in restaurants such as the renowned Alinea – 3 Michelin stars – in the USA), is to not leave anyone hungry too. Thus, to some classic Carnal dishes – and, spoiler alert, the vanilla flan is one of them – there are versions of other menu regulars and new recipes created specifically for this out-of-doors presentation.
Good cocktails, good food, good music: from Carnal (a name that, in Mexico, refers to a friend who is like family), more than recipes will travel. People. Friends. The Legendary Tigerman, partner in multiple “crimes” of chef Ljubomir Stanisic, will be responsible for the music at Vago on this night, with a DJ set that promises to be, to say the least, special!
At Vago’s counter, open since 2021 and already a reference in Lisbon’s nightlife, there will be four classic Carnal creations – including, of course, the unmissable Margarita and Paloma – and seven signature cocktails – Carnalita, Avé Maria, Palomita Mía, La Cura, El Pastor, Rosita de la Abuela and Cuatro Vientos. With ingredients such as aguachile, habanero, cheese, corn, olives and insects (never say never), among fruits, herbs, flowers and spices, the idea is to expect the unexpected and try Mexico’s version by 100 Maneiras sip by sip.
On the tables, usually occupied by the creations of chef Leonor Godinho, there will be no shortage of Traditional Guacamole (with the option of adding an extra of insects), to start off with a bang – “go big or stay home”… The Tlayuda (a crunchy tortilla) with hummus, roasted eggplant, Morita pepper sauce, cucumber with dill and yogurt, the Tuna with “salsa marisquera”, togarashi emulsion, avocado and “tostadas” and the Prawn Aguachile, cured avocado purée and “tostadas” (a regular at Carnal’s tables), are the starter options with which chef Ortiz and the rest of the kitchen team season the evening at Vago.
On the mains, three different tacos: a pork cracklings taco, a vegetarian and a fish one. So that everyone can find a perfect match – “libre” and democratic, that’s us! Closing the party, Carnal’s most famous dessert, the Vanilla flan inspired by chef Luis Ortiz’s grandmother’s recipe, which is already an institution within the restaurant.
Starting at 7pm, Carnal’s pop-up at Vago will last until sunrise. No, just kidding: it will last until 10:30 pm. But inside, in the heart, where it matters the most, we know that it goes on far beyond that – heart emoji.
Ready or not, let the countdown to take over begin!