With so many restaurant openings lately -- Stan's Metro Deli, Kanpai Sushi, Cutie's -- Mill Avenue has been on a roll, and the momentum continues this week with the planned Thursday opening of Canteen Modern Tequila Bar, at 9 p.m.
Formerly Regions Bistro, at 6th Street and Mill, the place has gotten a major facelift thanks to restaurateur Julian Wright, owner of nearby La Bocca Urban Pizzeria + Wine Bar.
The focus is 120 kinds of tequila, as well as half a dozen margaritas (ginger, agave, and serrano-mango, among others), and a variety of specialty cocktails that feature tequila, such as The Cascabel (Espolon Reposado tequila with cinnamon- and clove-infused syrup and fresh orange juice).
Chef Luis Millan's menu features seven different tacos, from cochinita pibil (pulled pork) with habanero-mango salsa, to grilled portobello mushrooms with salsa cascabel and smoked blue cheese. There are appetizers such as housemade chorizo with potato and queso oaxaca, mini tamales, and warm beer cheese; several kinds of tortas; and entrees like grilled red snapper stew with charred tomatoes, olives, and onions. Chef Matt Carter of Zinc Bistro and The Mission was also a consultant.
Get a look at the menu: Canteen Menu Final 10.1.10.pdf
Canteen is located at 640 S. Mill Avenue.