Las Iguanas Reading throw launch party
Last night, I was fortunate enough to experience the Las Iguanas launch party, held at their new Reading restaurant at The Oracle Riverside. This was my first Las Iguanas (Spanish for “The Iguanas”) visit, although I’ve had a peek inside two of their other restaurants, in Brighton and on London’s South Bank.
I’m grateful to Lucy Harwood, Las Iguanas Marketing Manager, who responded to my Twitter request to attend the party (after I read about the getreading prize draw). I explained that I was a keen local blogger (as I am) and the invitation promptly landed in my inbox. Top marks.
There was initial confusion at the door, however, when I turned up just after 9. After I was asked by the lady with the clipboard which company I was with, I said that I represented myself (which was true). This raised eyebrows. I added that I was a “local blogger”. This led to some hesitation. Eventually I was admitted into the bar.
After scanning the crowd (and not recognising anyone), I headed straight to the bar (as I normally do). Waiting to be served, by attention was drawn to screens above the bar, showing Carnaval scenes from the famous Sambódromo in Rio de Janeiro. My thoughts immediately turned to Brazil, a country I’m closely connected to for reasons I’m not explaining here.
I ordered a caipirinha. It was fine. I surveyed the crowd again and plunged right in.
The chaps, most of them anyway, were drinking beer. The ladies were drinking mojitos and other cocktails. A familiar scene. A number were enjoying nibbles. Staff moved around clinically, busily clearing empty glasses and bottles throughout the evening.
I ordered another drink, Cusqueña (there was also Negra Modelo, a Mexican brand, in the fridge). This was paid for by the lady standing beside me at the bar, so whoever you are, thank you again.
A Michael Jackson track was played as I stood, observed and listened a while longer. I flicked what looked like an intricate paper lantern above my head, as I like playing with things (indeed, Las Iguanas has a number of interesting design features), and then I left to enjoy the warm outdoors.
The verdict after last night:
- Las Iguanas is a good drinks venue (and should also appeal to Reading’s growing army of salsa lovers)
- it is also an attractive “entry level” Latin American experience, if that makes sense, that incorporates elements from different cultures in the region. The Cuban mojito and Brazilian caipirinha might become as familiar as G&T and Pimms to the average Oracle shopper. Or perhaps a number of Oracle visitors have been to destinations like Cuba, Dominican Rep. and Mexico already, and want more of the same
- Las Iguanas get a gold star for social media engagement (it’s also worth noting that a Facebook fan page has been set up for Las Iguanas – Reading). Other businesses planning similar events might want to consider inviting online influencers if they’re looking to spread word of mouth.
The next Las Iguanas test will be their food. Having enjoyed authentic Brazilian cuisine, I’m keen to compare, and I’m curious to know what their Mexican street food is like (Wahaca is the UK benchmark for me).
July 6th, 2009 at 2:18 am
So let me get this right … at the launch party of this South American restaurant, there wasn’t any opportunity to sample the food?
Seems like they missed an opportunity to me!
(And yes, I agree about Wahaca. Excellent stuff, to my uneducated palate anyway.)
July 7th, 2009 at 2:32 am
Hiya John, there was definitely some food here and there. Other people were clustered around these snacks and I felt reluctant to invade their space and grab some for myself. Odd behaviour, I agree, but it does mean I’ll be back to eat something!
On the subject of food still, there is a new Indian restaurant in town that I’m told is excellent: Chennai Dosa. We should check it out