Agave Awakening

As consumers drink less and care more about the spirits they do choose to drink, agave is officially in. Todd Schulte, known for hot spots Earl’s Premier and Bacaro Primo, is leaning in at his newest restaurant, South Plaza’s Sea Capitán.

“There’s no doubt that tequila is hot right now,” Schulte says. “We’ve seen a lot of guests visit and ask: ‘What tequila should I try? I’m kind of new to this whole agave thing.’ We’ve seen folks calling less for the old standards and gravitating toward some super interesting, lesser-known producers.”

Sea Capitán (5070 Main St., KCMO) opened last summer with coastal Mexican fare, then recently added an expertly curated agave spirits menu. Schulte and co-owner Cory Dannehl turned to Hugo Gonzales, a nationally recognized agave educator, for honing a new section of the menu and educating the staff. 

“With Hugo’s guidance and education, we get a glimpse behind the scenes,” Schulte says. “He’s brought in master distillers whose families have been making mezcal for generations. Providing our guests with the perfect little handcrafted vessel, a wedge of fruit and Sal de Chapulin to accompany a sip of mezcal is great, but it’s way more exciting to tell folks about the person who crafted it and then show them the artwork hanging on the wall they gifted us on their last visit to Sea Capitán.”

Margaritas and palomas are still on the ready, but for those who want to expand their palate, the crew is ready with a detailed agave menu. The staff is ready to provide informed guidance, whether your refined taste is seeking something rare or you’re an agave newbie thirsty to learn.  

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