New Restaurant Agave By Imperial Serving Fine Mexican Cuisine In Downtown Peterborough

Margaritas, empanadas, chilaquiles and more are on tap at one of downtown Peterborough’s new restaurants, Agave By Imperial that opened in early December.

(from left to right) Jennifer Guiterrec, chef; Manesh Chowdry, co-owner; Juan Pablo Olvera, chef and Javier Reyes, prep cook. The restaurant’s logo is a yellow outlined pineapple and tequila bottle on a black background. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

It is owned by cousins and partners Manesh Chowdry and Jim Grover who also own The Imperial Tandoor on 554 Lansdowne St. W. Agave By Imperial is located at 376 George St. N., at the spot formerly occupied by The Fusion Bowl — that was also owned by Chowdry and Grover — next to The EL[P] in downtown Peterborough.

Chowdry opted for a Mexican restaurant since he already had a successful Indian restaurant, didn’t want to compete with himself and had a personal liking to Mexican food. He added that he met with Mexican chefs and believed they could add a level of authenticity to Mexican cuisine in Peterborough.

“Same as Indian food, Mexican food is full of flavour and it's loved by many,” said Chowdry. “One of my favourite cuisines is Mexican other than Indian. We came across these wonderful chefs and we thought it could be a really good team to work together and bring something special to downtown.”

Chowdry also noted that while Peterborough is already diverse in the restaurant business, it doesn’t hurt to add even more.

“By bringing diverse restaurants, I feel this will give people enough to go out in Peterborough and explore different things,” he explained. “Peterborough has a lot to offer, it's just that people need to go out and see what things are being offered.”

Classic Mexican staples served at Agave are Quesadillas, nachos and tacos but also include upscale items on their menu. Dishes include grilled shrimp, grilled chorizo, watermelon cevhice, basa and more.

The restaurant offers two happy hour times from 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. and again from 9 p.m. to close. It offers $8 margaritas, tequila and $5 classic tacos.

“It's all about the experience,” explained Chowdry. “We want them to take the experience and always think about the next time they come back. Of course there is taste, flavour and great drinks but it's all about the moments you enjoy here with our team and we hope we can succeed at the same level as (The Imperial) Tandoor and here as well.”

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