Two celebrated Mexican chefs are now leading the charge at this chic Blue Mountains restaurant

Time Out

3 days ago

A golden hash brown topped with soft, sweet leeks and whipped n'duja with a karate-like kick. Slow-cooked lamb barbacoa with a savoury consomé and rings of burnt onions. Succulent fried chicken sitting in a fragrant Warrigal greens curry sauce, adorned with zippy pickled jicama and cucumber. These are some of the dishes on the new menu at Blaq – a chic Blue Mountains restaurant found at Kyah Hotel in Blackheath. And if you reckon they'd be delicious, you'd be right.
That's because a new executive chef is in charge. His name is Alejandro Huerta, and if that name sounds familiar, it's because he was recently heading up the excellent – but sadly now closed – Comedor in Newtown. The Mexican-born chef, who has also had stints at Noma in Copenhagen and Pujol in Mexico City, has created a bold, produce-led menu that draws inspiration from around the world – with Mexican flavours woven throughout.
In even better news, Huerta is joined by his wife, Galia Valadez, in the kitchen, who is heading up desserts. Valadez brings more than two decades of experience to Blaq, including time at Spain's Michelin-starred Lillas Pastia. Her banana and corn cake with crème fraîche, caramelised white chocolate and koji is a beautifully balanced (and yum) ode to her heritage and her partner – Huerta is a big fan of bananas.
'When we met with the team at Kyah, we fell in love with the project and the vision for Blaq,' says Huerta. 'It made total sense for us to move here and be part of this exciting evolution – showcasing the beauty and richness of the region through food.'
'I've always liked doing things differently and I love having different flavours and textures in what I cook, while keeping it always very casual and fun. My Mexican heritage combined with my love for different ingredients makes for a very interesting combo. We want to make sure that everyone that comes to Blaq has the best time while eating delicious food that's unexpected – but in a good way,' Huerta adds.
On that note, you can also expect to find dishes like a crisp wontons topped with fresh tuna, chilli crunch and thin shavings of bonito flakes; and Murray cod paired with borlotti beans bathed in a vibrant green sauce spiked with dill and lemon.
Cocktails are another standout, thanks to the team collaborating with one of Australia's best bartenders, Jake Down, on the menu. Our picks are the fresh, light Gala Rain, made with apple, cucumber, green tea and gin; and the Mountain Grapefruit with lime and tequila.
If you're looking for somewhere to base yourself in the Blue Mountains, Kyah – with its modern and stylish rooms, thoughtful touches, hot tub, tennis court and sauna – is a cracking place to relax, have fun and breathe in the crisp air. Just make sure you book dinner at Blaq.
Find out more here.