"Chef Junior Merino brought this refined Nuevo Latino restaurant to Dearborn in 2017, and it became a hit for its tacos filled with duck carnitas or braised short rib, filling tortas, and sides like chapulines and escamoles (ant caviar). Merino comes from a celebrated background as a NYC mixologist and thus the bar features among the largest varieties of agave-based spirits in the region, with hundreds of tequilas, more than a dozen mezcals, and a handful of styles of sotol — a spirit from the Chihuahuan desert. Expect Mexican specialties like the M-chelada, a savory twist on the michelada made with Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, hibiscus essence, and an Aleppo pepper-lime rim. For the ultimate splurge, go for the Liquid Chef Margarita made with Clase Azul Extra Anejo Tequila, Grand Marnier Cent Cinquantenaire, and a 24K gold salt rim — for $600." - Serena Maria Daniels
