To celebrate International Margarita Day, Eureka 89's Executive Chef, Renee Martillano, is joining forces with Premium Spirit Specialist Linus Schaxmann of Tequila Herradura to showcase the diversity and complexity of this wonderful spirit. The Margarita has played a big role in the growth of tequila, with the refreshing beverage considered to be the queen of cocktails – and the Chef has curated a delectable five-course dinner to highlight and complement the flavour profiles of not only the Margarita, but also a range of Herradura tequilas.

“We celebrated International Margarita Day last year with a Tequila Dinner and it proved immensely popular, so we're excited to be revisiting this concept,” says Cesar Piotto, General Manager of Attractions and Dining at Journey Beyond. “Renee's in-depth understanding of flavour profiles and matching them with the inspiring notes within Tequila Herradura guarantees a dining and drinking experience that is a fitting tribute to the modest Margarita on this special day.”

Born in 1870, Casa Herradura is one of Mexico's most historic and renowned tequila producers. Based in Amatitan in the Mexican state of Jalisco – the birthplace of tequila – the distillery is now one of the world's largest. It uses traditional clay ovens within the 100% natural fermentation process and each batch is double distilled using copper distillation tanks. The spirit is then bottled or barrel-aged in 55-gallon charred American White Oak barrels to create a robust flavour profile before bottling. Each of these steps is essential to turn the Blue Weber Agave plant into the unique, complex flavours that thread through all the expressions of Tequila Herradura.

Just as Casa Herradura continues to innovate and set the standard for tequila of note, Eureka 89 continues to innovate in matching flavour profiles in unexpected ways. Gone are the days when tequila meant corn chips and salsa. Expect plates like tequila and tamarind-glazed tiger prawns with tomato and lime chutney; or smoked wagyu beef short rib MBS6+ with tequila and sherry-vinegar-charred onions and adobo sauce. The dishes will be paired with tequila in a variety of styles and forms, from mini cocktails to straight up.

"Last year's Herradura dinner at Eureka 89 was incredible," says Schaxmann. “The challenge we had was how to top that, but with the amazing menu from Renee Martillano, paired with some twists on Mexican cocktails, including two rather exciting ones on the Margarita, and a sneak peak of the Herrdaura Legend, we've raised the bar again."

There's no doubt that Eureka 89's Tequila Dinner will delight both spirit connoisseurs and dedicated gastronomes – and it all comes with a spectacular view of Melbourne from the 89th floor of Eureka Tower.

Eureka 89's Tequila Dinner will be held from 6.30pm – 9.30pm on 21 February 2024 and costs $230 per person, including a five-course menu and paired beverages.

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About Eureka 89

There are few better places to experience the culinary heart and soul of Melbourne than Eureka 89. Towering 300 metres above sea level, guests take in breathtaking views of Melbourne while indulging in tasting menus curated by award-winning Executive Chef, Renee Martillano. The ever-changing menus adapt to the seasons, showcasing local Victorian and Australian producers to deliver modern Australian sky-high dining.