The 55-cover ‘taqueria’ on Poland Street will serve what it calls Mexican-inspired comfort food, with a selection of 10 tacos, plus a menu of daily specials.
Head chef Daniel brings 20 years’ experience to the role, and has previously worked at Smith’s of Smithfield, D&D London’s Sartoria, and The Riding House Café in Fitzrovia, and was most recently executive chef at the Village London group.
Born in Texas, founder Sheffield then moved to New York before travelling through Mexico, discovering more of the country’s food throughout. Having moved to the UK in 2007, she most recently spent 10 years managing pubs and restaurants in the UK, including the Potting Shed in Wiltshire, and as general manager of both Fischer’s by Corbin & King, and The Riding House Café.
Corazón’s homemade tortillas will be prepared in view of diners, with taco fillings such as Chorizo Verde with green chorizo and confit onions; Carne Asada with citrus and soy marinated steak and roast garlic; Duck Carnitas with confit of duck in root beer; and Barbacoa, with 12-hour slow roast lamb, pasilla rub, and mint and tomatillo salsa.
There will also be a choice of ceviches, tostadas, and salads, plus options such as the Torta Ahogada (‘drowned sandwich’ of pork carnitas and salsa), and Pozole Rojo (a traditional stew with pork shoulder and toasted ancho chilli).
Drinks will include margaritas, imported Mexican and American beers, as well as other cocktails such as Cazuela with tequila, mescal, fresh fruit and green tea. There will also be house-made Tepache (an alcoholic fermented pineapple juice) with flavours such as Orange and Tamarind, and Apple and Chipotle.
Aguas Frescas will be made on-site from scratch each day, including Horchata, and Hibiscus Iced Tea.
There will also be a weekend brunch, including a choice of breakfast tacos, plus Huevos Benedict (with ham hock hash, eggs, and green chilli hollandaise), along with Buttermilk Blue Corn Pancakes with caramelised bananas and toasted pecans.
The site’s interior will be created by Katy Manolescue, of London design company Article Design and previously project leader on London restaurant openings including Hoppers, Bao Fitzrovia, and the new Clipstone restaurant, sister site to Michelin-starred Portland.