Any serious foodie will tell you that Mexican food – any Mexican food, but especially good Mexican food – was impossible to find a few years ago. Then La Bodega opened in Khan Market, with excellent soft-shell fish tacos, deadly jalapeno martinis, and a wall of fresh produce at the door. (Oh, and no fried enchiladas in sight.) It helps that La Bodega is somehow perpetually sunny, with warm wood tables and floors blocked with talavera tiles.

The restaurant is owned by cousins Neeti Goel and Smriti Goyal. Smriti convinced their chef, Raoul, to move to New Delhi from Mexico City. They believe in a hands-on approach – if you visit, you’ll see them greeting customers and occasionally serving up a dish or two on their own. We asked them a few questions about how to be a stellar host and guest, and look good while doing it.

Favorite host/hostess gift to give:
A nice bottle of wine.

And to receive:
Fresh flowers.

To get myself in the party mood, I always:
Listen to music and drink a glass of wine.

Easiest impress-your-guests recipe in your arsenal?:
Everything Mexican.

One must-have kitchen tool:
A good Japanese kitchen knife.

The taste I couldn't live without:
French Cheese and everything made with avocados.

Daily uniform:
Things that are light, airy, and comfortable.

Your style and design influences:
Classic and understated. People around us and our travels.

Your favorite online design resources:
Border and Fall.

Neeti and Smriti shared four classic recipes with us. Find two fuss-free dips here and two insanely good (and just as easy) cocktails here.

For more information on La Bodega, visit their Facebook page.