Pura Vida

Cool and humorous, that is Pura Vida. Alessandro Perversi grew up in an Italian restaurant family in Maasmechelen, but lost his heart to the kitchen of Mexico. “When I chose vegan, I panicked: ‘Now I will never be able to eat tacos again.’ But I was completely wrong. In Mexico City, I found many inspiring vegan taquerías.” Pura Vida was born: from a food truck it moved to a permanent location in the vibrant Theaterplein. Tacos, enchiladas, burritos… everything is vegan, but he consciously does not advertise it. “You can present everything just as deliciously based on plant-based products.”

His tasting platter is a perfect example of that. “Tacos al pastor are normally made with pork. In mine, there’s homemade seitan, on a homemade soft corn tortilla, with onion, cilantro, and pineapple salsa.” What makes it ‘al pastor’? “The spices, including achiote and guajillo peppers. I won’t reveal more, as I make my own spice mix.” No tacos without tequila, so Alessandro has a beautiful collection of tequila and mezcal, to drink neat or in a cocktail. “Because even if you just want a drink, you are welcome here.”

Hanna Van Thienen