M Cantina, a renowned Mexican restaurant in Dearborn, proclaims a new world title under its name. The restaurant, led by Chef Junior Merino known as "the Liquid Chef," has set a new Guinness World Record for the most commercially available varieties of agave spirits in a restaurant, as reported by WXYZ. The record count stands at an impressive 1,825 distinct bottles of 100% agave spirits, including tequilas, mezcals, raicillas, bacanoras, and sotols, among others. This collection overcomes the previous record of 1,033 bottles held by a restaurant in New Jersey.
In a statement obtained by WXYZ, Merino shared, "Our goal has always been to introduce guests to the incredible variety and craftsmanship behind agave spirits and Mexican cuisine and culture in general." His venture not only aims to showcase the diversity of Mexican liquids but also to uplift the perception of Mexican culture within the culinary world.
The Detroit News highlights the dedication of Merino in handpicking high-quality and authentic spirits. Chloe McCarthy, the official Guinness World Records adjudicator, was quoted saying, "Of the 1,825 bottles, they’re all the most high quality and authentic in nature," expressing respect for Junior's efforts towards dispelling misconceptions about tequila. She added that higher quality spirits contrary to some beliefs, do not cause sickness—pointing out Merino's aim to share this with a broader audience.
M Cantina's world record has been recognized not just locally but by international dignitaries as well. A representative from the government of the Mexican state of Jalisco attended the certification, which a ClickOnDetroit interview reveals Giovanni Alcala's pride in Junior's representation of the Mexican community. "He’s helping contribute to getting more promotion for agave spirit beverages," Alcala noted, acknowledging Jalisco's prominent role as a major producer of tequila.
Apart from the barometer-setting agave spirits, M Cantina also houses a collection of rare whiskey and prides itself on offering a selection of exclusively Mexican wines. The establishment's dedication to quality and cultural representation has made it a pillar in the industry, where guests can experience the multitude of Mexico's gastronomy and beverage traditions seven days a week. For those interested in visiting, M Cantina awaits enthusiasts at 13214 Michigan in Dearborn, ready to serve guests from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays, as noted by ClickOnDetroit.
