New Waterfront Restaurant & Bar to Open on Monday, July 28, 2014
Mexican food lovers, foodies and imbibers alike will rejoice when Cantina La Veinte opens its doors to the public on Monday, July 28, 2014. Located in downtown Miami’s Icon Brickell, the new waterfront restaurant and bar promises to offer an authentic Cantina dining experience – a traditional Mexican gastronomic adventure in which the bar plays a pivotal role and offers a cultural expression of its location. Cantina La Veinte is being brought to Miami by Cinbersol Group, a leading Mexico City-based hospitality firm committed to providing high-end dining experiences and exceptional service in a luxurious yet unpretentious setting. Here, guests can expect an eclectic menu of traditional Mexican cuisine, as well as expertly crafted cocktails and one of the country’s largest selections of high-end tequilas and mezcals.
At the helm of Cantina’s kitchen is executive chef Santiago Gomez, a talented young toque who has a passion for authentic Mexican cuisine with a playful, eclectic twist. A native of Mexico, Gomez worked at the prestigious restaurant NOBU, both in Miami and Mexico City. It was in Mexico City during his work at NOBU that Alberto Cinta – CEO & Co-Founder of Cinbersol Group – hired him to work as sous chef for the hospitality firm’s Thai/Japanese concept, Erawan. Since then, Gomez has worked with Cinbersol in multiple concepts and capacities including being named executive chef of Piso 51 – a fine dining restaurant in Mexico City – and eventually becoming Corporate Chef of Cantina La Numero 20’s multiple locations in Polanco, El Angel and Santa Fe, MX. Looking to further sharpen his cooking skills, he went to New York City in 2012 and did a stint at the critically-acclaimed restaurant, DANIEL by renowned chef Daniel Boulud. Now, at Cantina La Veinte in Miami, Cinbersol’s first U.S. restaurant, Gomez promises to deliver a deliciously diverse menu of authentic Mexican food incorporating whimsical touches.
Staying true to his Mexican roots, Gomez will serve up authentic dishes from south of the border. To begin, diners can choose from Seafood Appetizers, Ceviches and Aguachiles or Earthy Appetizers, starters from the land. Dishes include Almejas Chocolata Rasuradas (MP) – Mexican style clams, raw, served with Maggi-lime caviar and chopped red onion; Chicharrón De Rib Eye ($23) – fried rib eye chunks served with guacamole; and Dobladitas De Jaiba Suave ($21) – crunchy soft shell crab, served in flour tortillas with jalapeño sauce.
A not-to-be-missed section on the menu, Make-Your-Own Taco ($14 – $24) runs the gamut from options of pork shank confit, sautéed octopus and grilled bone marrow to slow cooked beef tongue. In true Mexican fashion, Stuffed Chiles include Pasilla ($12) – Pasilla chile filled with duck confit in a tamarind-mezcal sauce; and Escamoles (MP) – Chile Poblano filled with escamoles and sautéed with butter, garlic, white wine, olive oil and epazote leaves. Main Dishes feature Callo De Hacha Sellados Con Arroz Poblano ($35) – seared scallops atop creamy poblano rice with sautéed mushrooms and truffle oil; Langoustines Al Mojo De Ajo (MP) – giant prawns sautéed with garlic-lime butter. Also on offer is fresh daily fish, done-your-way with a choice of A La Talla – dried chili-mayo mix; Cilantro – cilantro sauce with serrano chile, jalapeno and lime juice; or Adobo – chile guajillo sauce. Carnivores can delight in Dry Age Rib Eye Angus (MP) – with sugar cane-chile crust and a 3-chile sauce; or Filete Arriero ($32) – grilled beef fillet with sautéed onions and serrano in a Maggi-lime sauce. Rounding out the menu is an array of Side Dishes and Tortas, as well as Dessertssuch as Ate Con Queso De La No. 20 ($9) – baked wonton with quince paste and blue cheese ice cream and Trufas de Chocolate ($10) with mezcal and hibiscus powder.
An essential part of Cantina’s gastronomic experience is the restaurant’s bar and cocktail program, which features a massive selection of over 260 tequilas and mezcals, considered one of the largest in the U.S. Executed by Beverage Director Mark Kinzer, formerly of ZUMA at the Epic Hotel, thecocktail menu will feature an array of Before, During and After drinks for guests to enjoy. True to his mixology style of using fresh natural ingredients and vibrant bold flavors, Kinzer has created a well-rounded menu of classic cocktails with an innovative twist. Before dinner, guests can sip on aCantina Margarita ($12.50) – chipotle infused Chinaco Blanco Tequila stirred with grapefruit bitters, fresh pressed lime juice and handcrafted charred mango agave, topped with a fluffy, salted grapefruit and Cointreau air; and continue During the meal with the Gun Smoke Sour ($14.50) – Del Maguey Vida shaken with Green Chartreuse, blood orange and citrus juices, frothed with egg white and agave, then topped with fresh grated nutmeg and malic acid mist. With satisfied stomachs, guests will revel in After dinner drinks such as the Aztec Gentleman ($14.50) – handcrafted, fig-infused Don Julio stirred with authentic Mexican angostura aperitif and Lustau PX, garnished with orange essence and a caramelized Filthy Cherry. For the ultimate spirits experience, Cantina will offer a special Cocktail Tasting Menu. Priced at $85 per person, the six-course libations tasting is tailored to guests’ allergies and taste preferences.
Designed by Mexican architectural firm Niz + Chauvet, the 450-seat indoor/outdoor restaurant and bar will pay homage to the Mexican Art Deco style, while maintaining the distinct décor of a traditional Mexican Cantina. Upon entering, guests will be greeted by a striking, contemporary, floor-to-ceiling black onyx bar with antiqued mirrors and a geometric, pyramid-shaped black and gold chandelier straight out of The Great Gatsby. Black and white marble flooring will separate the bar area from the restaurant’s dining room, while the open exhibition kitchen will showcase the talented culinary team executing authentic creations. Blending modern design elements with traditional history, the restaurant will feature expansive framed windows and rich black wood-paneled walls, with carefully selected pieces of sophisticated, award-winning Mexican folk art displayed throughout. A staircase will lead guests downstairs to the restaurant’s outdoor waterfront patio showcasing gorgeous views of Brickell Key and Biscayne Bay. The covered al fresco dining area will make for the perfect spot for Happy Hour, dinner under the stars and lunch with an ocean breeze. Thick frosted glass etched with Cantina’s symbols of maize and agave will protect diners from the elements, while the outdoor cooling system will keep it comfortable year-round. Unique to its concept, Cantina La Veinte will have its own Mercado adjacent to the outdoor dining area, offering prepared foods, wines, coffee, fresh juices and horchatas.
Cantina La Veinte is located at 495 Brickell Avenue at the Icon Brickell. Lunch and dinner will be served Monday – Wednesday, noon until midnight; Thursday – Saturday, noon – 1 a.m.Sunday Brunch will be served 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Happy Hour will be offered Monday – Friday, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Discounted valet parking will be available. Telephone: (786) 623-6135.
