Las Iguanas-a Latino affair in Soho

Jacklyn Swiecicki reports from the Launch Party!

The launch party for the new Las Iguanas Latin American restaurant in Soho sounded fabulous from the get-go. On offer: Latin cocktails, tapas, and the promise of entertainment sized up to `carnival proportions’!

Upon entry, Las Iguanas was heaving with patrons, all shuffling to the thumping drums of the Carnival themed music. Showgirls with large feathered head pieces – and not much else- sashayed through the crowds and added to the real Carnival party atmosphere that everyone seemed to be blissfully lapping up.

Brazilian Caipirinha sugared cocktails flowed freely, as did other colored concoctions of watermelon and orange muddled drinks. Whilst drink prices are steep, £13 for a jug of cocktail and £5.30 for a glass of house white wine, the Soho crowd didn’t mind too much about parting with their pounds for these addictive, fresh and potent drinks.

As expected, the bar and waiting staff were all very sexy, adding to the whole exotic ambiance of Las Iguanas. Carrying around samples of tapas the staff were all friendly and festive, without a hint of snobbery or un-approachability. The tapas on the other hand, seemed incompatible amongst the Latino party. With tapas dishes starting at £4.70 and main dishes at £7.50-£15, the chicken skewers were somewhat bland and the seafood risotto balls were too fishy and a tad dry. I was expecting some Jamón (cured ham) or at least some authentic tapas dishes, but I was instead disappointed with the ‘Western’ canapé selection. Thankfully, one gorgeous waiter did finally bring me some fried-up Chorizo, a spicy Spanish sausage – that was more like it!

Las Iguanas is perfect for after work drinks where you really need to break free from the daily office grind, and kick back and soak up the carnival buzz that is so seamlessly achieved. The regular menu does look tempting, and I am keen to sample some more traditional Latino dishes. I am hoping that perhaps the tapas menu for the launch party was not entirely reflective of the true capabilities of the resident chef.

Whilst my small sampling of tapas was not exactly spot-on, the atmosphere and vibe was definitely infectious. I know that I, and the guests surrounding me, will definitely be visiting Las Iguanas again to hit the dance floor and Salsa! Viva La Carnival!

Las Iguanas

Soho, London, W1D 4PS

www.iguanas.co.uk

Jacklyn Swiecicki