OLÉ!

Senoritas

16 Meyers Place, Melbourne 3000

(03) 9639 7437 or www.senoritas.com.au

Señoritas owner Ricardo Amare wanted to immerse diners in a complete “experiencia Mexicana” and from the looks of this lovingly-designed cantina, a little piece of Mexico has indeed arrived in Melbourne. Senoritas distinctive interior design was created by Melbourne Interior Design consultancy Lombard and Jack.

Inside Señoritas is an eclectic combination of feminine whimsy and dark, mysterious spirit, paying homage to the importance of women in Mexican culture through the renowned image of La Catrina, and the Mexican tradition of Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead).

The vibrant light fittingsare based on the skirt of the Senorita in Mexican coloured felts manufactured by Jan Flook, custom designed by Lombard and Jack to absorb the sounds of a lively cantina.

Throughout the venue, contemporary and classic Mexican design sit side by side – from the life sized La Catrina from Pinedacovalin (Mexico’s Hermes), to the hand painted tiles by Melbourne artist, Aaron McKenzie, the mirrored interpretation of a Diego Rivera mural by Dennis Ropar, and finally, photographer Yenny Huber’s representation of a La Catrina through the lens of her old school camera. The distinctive graphic design defining the image of Señoritas, La Catrina, was created by Mexican design firm, La Metropolitana.

Handcrafts were sourced from around Mexico to illustrate traditions from pre-Hispanic cultures across Mexico including traditional molcajets, used to create guacamole and salsas, Talavera pottery from Puebla, wooden spoons for traditional salsas and glasses specially designed for sipping tequila.

Believe it or not, the space used to be a windowless book storage facilitycomplete with a mechanical lifting device at the front entry. The transformation is complete and impressive.