Las Iguanas brings Latin life to Soho

7th August 2008, 12:35pm

Soho’s social scene is about to get some Latin influence as South American food and drink specialists Las Iguanas open in Dean Street in September.

Las Iguanas is doubling its presence in London this summer with new sites at Old Spitalfields Market and Soho to add to the operations at Royal Festival Hall and The O2.

The site in Dean Street will offer 180 covers internally and a small terrace with seating outdoors.

Las Iguanas' commercial director Ajith Jaya-Wickrema said: "I believe that Soho is about to go through a revival and we are keen to be a part of that. I'm confident that our offering of quality fresh food and great cocktails will appeal to the kind of people who love the Soho buzz."

The seasonal menu at Las Iguanas is inspired by authentic regional dishes from Brazil, Colombia, Peru and Argentina, including Seviche (lobster, seared yellow fin tuna & crayfish in mango, ginger and citrus marinade), Xinxim (Brazilian lime chicken), Moqueca (coconut and tomato curry), gourmet fajitas with various fillings (Rib-eye steak, Lemon chicken or Shitake, Oyster and Portobello mushroom and leek) and flame-grilled sea bass with salad and a choice of Chimichurri sauce or garlic and chilli butter.

Tapas selections include mouthwatering fresh brie and mango tortilla parcel on mango salsa and split tiger prawns in lemon and chilli butter with freshly baked bread and crisp cassava-coated chicken with Brazilian hot sauce.

For those looking for a drink with a difference the Cachaçaria (spirit bar) specializes in traditional Brazilian cocktails made with Las Iguanas Magnifica.

This award-winning house brand Cachaça is distilled from sugarcane grown on Las Iguanas' own plantation just outside Rio. A fearsome spirit by itself, it's delicious served with crushed lime and sugar in Las Iguanas' signature Caipirinha.

Las Iguanas in Dean Street opens to the public on Friday September 26th and will be the 19th site in the UK for this independently-owned group.