Tacos and Tequila Night

Looking for some Latin flavor? Find it at The Island Hotel on Thursdays.

Photo By Ed Olen

WHERE Every Thursday at Palm Terrace Lounge at The Island Hotel, 690 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach, (949) 759-0808; www.theislandhotel.com

WHAT MAKES IT GOOD Much like PB and J, mac ‘n’ cheese, and bagels and cream cheese, tacos and tequila naturally lend themselves to one another. (Just don’t try and put the latter in your kid’s lunchbox.) But besides the obvious, having a designated night of the week to celebrate this lovable duo (henceforth known as “T-n-T”) in a comfortable, lively setting makes the experience that much more enjoyable.

WHAT MAKES IT GREAT T-n-T night is more than the sum of its parts, mainly because the parts themselves are so distinctive. The five tacos – traditional fish; smoked duck with barbecue tomato salsa and queso fresco; Maine lobster with pickled cabbage and shiso; beef tenderloin with baby tomatoes and cheese sauce; and ahi tuna with wasabi tobiko aioli – are delicious unto themselves, but pairing them with one of the signature tequila cocktails makes T-n-T night extra special. Our favorite was the classic Partida, with Partida tequila, fresh-squeezed lime juice and agave nectar. But if you’re into fruitier flavors, try La Isla Bonita or the Catalina made with fresh pineapple and orange juices, respectively. Die-hards will love the flight of Patrón with Patrón Silver, Añejo and Reposado.

GO! BECAUSE… You might not know it, but T-n-T night is exactly what you’ve been waiting for – and it sure beats overpriced, watered-down drinks and sub-par bar food.

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