MEXICAN
Richard Sandoval fans are in for a treat with the new tricks and treats going on at Pampano this summer. Along with the new season, Pampano is introducing quite a few enticing changes. They're now featuring a new tasting menu serving up fresh Mexican seasonal ingredients until June 30th. The five course tasting is only $50 per guest or $75 with the addition of Los Nahuales Mezcal or Latin wine pairing.
Pampano is also introducing fun Taco Tuesdays! Every Tuesday from 5pm until closing, the restaurant will be serving up $2 tacos, with new specialty tacos each week. But that's not all that's new. There will also be special summer Fridays at Pampano Botaneria all the way until Labor Day, where you can come start your weekend early with Happy Hour starting at 3pm. All Latin cocktails and sangrias will be $6 a piece and Mexican-style tapas are only $5.
In Spanish Harlem there may not be a shortage of Mexican food, but those who serve authentic food with a distinct flavor are still low in numbers. Which is great, because that's what makes El Paso a memorable dining experience.
The place certainly has authentic character and style. Mexican death dolls line the room and skulls of cow’s heads hang over the fully stocked bar, accented by solid wood decorative chairs. Dark lighting, earthy colors on the walls, and mosaic blue table-tops set the mood for tequila shots, sharing a plate of crispy nachos, and practicing your Spanish with the friendly and helpful waiters.
In a world where Mexican food is associated with a big purple bell and 99 cent value meals, how do you change the perception of what truly authentic Mexican food and culture is all about? At Coral Gables restaurant, Talavera, they’re doing just that and adding in a little bit of ambiance, a pinch of good lighting and a whole lot of tequila to set us all straight.
From the folks who brought us Jaguar just a couple of miles away in Coconut Grove, is an establishment that is taking authentic Mexican food and combining it with a refined and lively atmosphere. The name “Talavera” comes from a unique and fine pottery art, which began in 16th century Mexico. You can find the exotic blue and white plates on display right in front of you on your table. It is clear that these beautifully crafted pieces are what set the inspiration for the décor. The bright colored walls with accents of orange and blue contrast well with the Talavera pottery and silver woven place mats. Look above the bar for portraits of Mexican legends from Salma Hayek to Carlos Santana. The atmosphere at Talavera is loud and busy. Expect to walk into a restaurant full of small groups of people at the bar sipping margaritas and snacking on guacamole, drinking an ice cold Corona while watching the game, or deeply engaged in conversation over dinner in one of their signature half moon-shaped booths.
On this particular Saturday night, the place was packed. However, to our surprise, we were seated after only 15 minutes and immediately started off with complimentary chips and salsa. Both salsas (red and green) were exceptionally tasty and paired with red and blue corn tortilla chips. They both had a nice kick (especially the green), which I didn’t take issue with, though you just might have to order another margarita (or two).
While looking for something to start off with, my eyes were automatically drawn to a section of the menu titled “Los Quesos Fundidos”. What’s that, you say? Melted cheese? My decision was made. We decided on El Clasico which is melted gouda and Oaxaca cheeses topped with Mexican chorizo. The hot skillet of still bubbling cheese arrived to our table with a side of warm flour tortillas. The sharpness of the cheese paired with the spiciness of the chorizo was spot-on in flavor. Scoop a generous amount into one of the tortillas, drizzle with a squeeze of lime and devour. Repeat for best results.
For my entrée, I decided to go with Quesadillas Doña Elvira. Four hand crafted corn tortillas are folded over julienned and sautéed poblano peppers, epazote (a native Mexican herb), melted cheese and sliced chicken, and served with sides of pico de gallo, crema fresca and guacamole for a complex combination of textures and flavors. The authenticity of the corn tortillas are what made this dish so special. As you initially bite into the quesadilla, the crunch and graininess of the tortilla come through and make a perfect vessel for the melted and spicy goodness underneath.
Additionally, we ordered Cochinita Pibil under the section of the menu titled “Las Carnes”. This dish, inspired from the region of Yucatán, is pork rubbed with achiote and sour orange juice baked inside banana leaves until fork tender and served with handmade flour tortillas, pico de gallo, crema fresca, guacamole and a little bowl of rice and beans. This plate is a build-your-own deal. The idea is to fill the tortilla with pork and the toppings of your choice for the combination you desire. For me, a healthy helping of pork topped with pico de gallo and guacamole was all I needed. The side of rice and beans was perfectly delicious on its own.
As a nice variation from your usual questionable meat mixture and nacho cheese, visit Talavera the next time you’re craving Mexican, where traditional meets contemporary, and the food is as real as it gets.
Talavera
2299 Ponce De Leon & Giralda
Coral Gables, FL 33134
(305) 444-2955
www.talaveraspot.com
Tequila? Checked. Exquisitely crafted menu by acclaimed chef? Checked. A creative decor inspired by the alcohol itself? Checked. All Teqa is lacking is you! This Murray Hill restaurant and nightlife spot has an unparalleled liquor selection and we're ready to give out an open bar tab for you and three of your friends. With it's vibrant and youthful atmosphere this Tequileria has transformed the scene of this residential Manhattan neighborhood. Offering some of the best Mexican food and first-rate Tequila, this is a must in NY. Click here and tell us why you and your friends deserve a free open bar to win the giveaway!
More and more people are becoming interested in consuming local, organic and sustainable ingredients. Why? They're healthy, energizing and good for the mind and environment. Unfortunately, maintaining a sustainable diet and a fruitful bank account is a challenge.
Your solution: Nopalito.
This Mexican restaurant offers flavorful, organic and affordable fare that leaves you craving another visit. With its laidback, intimate atmosphere and indoor and outdoor heated patio seating, Nopalito welcomes you.
There are many areas around the world that produce wine. One such region is California with a production one third larger than that of Australia. As everyone on the west coast knows two of the popular areas are Sonoma and Napa Valley. But love for California wine (red and white) stretches around the world. I well focus on the different varieties of white wine, which are produced in the California region.
Chardonnay
Mainly the most popular wine produced in California is Chardonnay. The taste can range from dry and bold to light and fruity, depending on the vineyard that produces the wine. Chardonnay can be paired with many different types of entrees. It goes best with poultry, fish, and certain pasta dishes. Stick with heavy cream or butter based recipes.
There are many areas around the world that produce wine. One such region is California with a production one third larger than that of Australia. As everyone on the west coast knows two of the popular areas are Sonoma and Napa Valley. But love for California wine (red and white) stretches around the world. I well focus on the different varieties of white wine, which are produced in the California region.
Chardonnay
Mainly the most popular wine produced in California is Chardonnay. The taste can range from dry and bold to light and fruity, depending on the vineyard that produces the wine. Chardonnay can be paired with many different types of entrees. It goes best with poultry, fish, and certain pasta dishes. Stick with heavy cream or butter based recipes.
There are many areas around the world that produce wine. One such region is California with a production one third larger than that of Australia. As everyone on the west coast knows two of the popular areas are Sonoma and Napa Valley. But love for California wine (red and white) stretches around the world. I well focus on the different varieties of white wine, which are produced in the California region.
Chardonnay
Mainly the most popular wine produced in California is Chardonnay. The taste can range from dry and bold to light and fruity, depending on the vineyard that produces the wine. Chardonnay can be paired with many different types of entrees. It goes best with poultry, fish, and certain pasta dishes. Stick with heavy cream or butter based recipes.
Nobody living in New York is completely immune to the lower east side’s charms and with restaurants like Macondo (and its older upscale sister Rayuela) why would you dare try? Macondo aims to bring Latin American street food to an elevated forum for its patrons to enjoy.
From the street, just the look of Macondo is enticing. The bar is just big enough for a party of five (no pun intended) and has a few seats hedging the outside (prime real estate during cocktail hour). The dining room stretches back, resembling the dimly lit aisles of a 747, and is decorated by old wooden shelves stocked with Latin staples (like canned chilies).
This is your time to experience Las Vegas finest dining for a low price and a good cause. Stating Monday August 30th and running until Sunday September 5th choose from over 100 restaurant offering three-course menus priced at $20.10, $30.10 or $50.10. If you take advantage of Restaurant week and all it has to offer you will be giving to Three Square charity and food bank with restaurants choosing to donate between $4 and $6 from each fixed-price meal.
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