Knock Twice for Mezcal: Latin Creations
By Kathryn Sparacino
When Alberto Tames accepted an invitation from restaurateur Esperanza Reyes to entertain diners at her popular eatery, Esperanza’s Mexican Restaurant, he had no idea that several months later he would be opening his own restaurant in that very space.
In May 2024, after Esperanza’s closed, Tames and his wife, Aggie, expanded their beloved food truck, Latin Creations, into the Main Street location. The couple still runs two Latin Creations food carts — one in Mountain Village and another in Telluride — along with a busy catering arm, but the brick-and-mortar location on Main Street has long been their dream.
Now, guests can sit down in a colorful, welcoming space with eye-catching wall art and neon signs to savor Mexican family recipes passed down through generations — dishes that have traveled from Latin American kitchens to Telluride dining tables.
Beyond authentic flavors, Alberto and Aggie also aim to bring a cosmopolitan edge to the experience — one that reflects their upbringing in Mexico City. For a more elevated evening, diners can slip into the restaurant’s luxe speakeasy: a hidden room with plush velvet seating, flickering candles and a discreet entrance off the back alley. It has its own bar, and its own vibe.
Latin Creations’ speakeasy is open one night a week in the winter season, and features an evolving menu. Every dish, in fact, every component of every dish, is homemade, as is everything in the main dining room. Don’t be surprised to find bone marrow tacos and made-to-order guacamole with Alberto’s secret ingredient served alongside a bowl of still-warm flour chips.
Mixology is at its best in the hidden speakeasy and often stars the fruits and flavors of Mexico. Try the Mariana, a mezcal cocktail with pineapple, jalapeno, lime and agave syrup, or La Diosa, a martini made with guava hibiscus.
For Alberto and Aggie, Latin Creations is more than a restaurant — it’s an extension of their home, their heritage and their hospitality. If you ask Aggie what to order, the first thing she will want to know is, “How hungry are you?” The answer doesn’t matter as much as what comes next: a meal crafted with love, served with warmth and designed to make you feel right at home.
A Speakeasy Journey: Terminal A to Telluride
The word speakeasy dates back to Prohibition, when patrons were told to “speak easy” — softly and discreetly — to avoid drawing attention from police or neighbors. These hidden bars were often tucked behind unmarked doors, in basements or disguised as everyday storefronts, with a whispered password required for entry.
Nearly a century later, the allure of the speakeasy lives on. Modern versions echo that same air of secrecy, with concealed entrances, intimate settings and inventive cocktails. Telluride has several worth discovering — but for travelers headed here, the journey into speakeasy culture begins in an unlikely place: Denver International Airport.
In Denver International Airport’s Terminal A, an unassuming bookshelf hides the entrance to William & Graham, a cocktail bar celebrated for its meticulously crafted drinks, vast library of spirits and sophisticated yet inviting ambiance. Stepping inside feels like entering another world, even before you begin the final leg of your journey to Telluride.
Once you arrive in town, three more speakeasy-style spots await. In addition to Latin Creations’ hidden lounge, you’ll find Van Atta and The Tunnel Supper Club, each offering an intimate, under-the-radar experience. Van Atta, a speakeasy that’s concealed behind Crossbow — a custom hat and leather shop — evokes the elegance of the Edwardian era. Every detail, from the décor to the atmosphere, is designed to transport guests to Telluride’s early days.
The Tunnel Supper Club, meanwhile, reimagines the spirit of a Midwestern supper club with a contemporary twist. Chef Michael Goller designs 10-course tasting menus that spotlight two seasonal ingredients at a time — perhaps “melons and mushrooms” one month, then a new pairing the next. Guests enter through an obscure hallway, are greeted with a glass of Champagne and settle in for an evening that feels like a dinner party among friends