In the three months since La Contenta opened at 102 Norfolk St., the little Mexican restaurant has been earning high praise, especially for its cocktails.
Co-owner and head bartender Alex Valencia has worked in places like Yerba Buena, PDT, Little Branch and the Flatiron Club. So it’s not too surprising that people are talking about his inventive cocktails. The other day, in a piece on lesser-known agaves, the Times featured Valencia’s creation made with a liquor called raicilla in a variation of the Negroni. He knows his stuff. Not long ago Valencia educated us on the finer points of mezcal!
Just last weekend, La Contenta began brunch service. Chef and co-owner Luis Arce-Mota (a longtime resident of Grand Street) has put together a menu featuring items such as Poblano Benedict, Chorizo con Huevo and Camarones al Ajillo (shrimp in garlic butter sauce). On Monday, the restaurant debuted happy hour from 4-7 p.m. Snacks – including guacamole, nachos, fish tacos and cheese fondue – are all $8. Drinks (margaritas, a Bloody Maria, a Lavender Gimlet, etc.) are the same price. There’s even a cocktail called the Essex Crossing (vodka, blackberry, fresh lime juice). Here’s the happy hour menu.
