Miami Living Magazine features the best Miami has to offer. Click on any magazine below and enjoy. You can download our free app on iTunes. Ideal for iPad and iPhone users.
Issue link: https://digital.miamilivingmagazine.com/i/497473
As temperatures rise and layers come off, out-of-towners flock to South Beach to experience the international playground that many of us call home. We have it all: sandy beaches, high-octane nightclubs and eye candy. Oh, and Latin food— because nothing says spring break like margaritas and salsa! Cue South Beach's latest restaurant heating up its food scene: Jalapeño Mexican Kitchen, an ode to classic Mexican wonders done well like flavorful tacos and chimichangas bulked to perfection. Located in the South of Fifth area, this laid-back outdoor joint features wooden tables, neon lights, stain-glassed lamps and hanging décor fit for a fiesta. The Maya Group (owners of Maya Tapas & Grill on Lincoln Road) along with the culinary creations of Chef Miguel Faget bring Ocean Drive's first authentic Mexican eatery to the continuous line of beachfront restaurants, hotels, boutiques and nightclubs. Once we were seated, I indulged in the Melonada Margarita ($13.95), a refreshing twist to the classic margarita with watermelon puree, which—after a few sips later—allowed me to drown out the seas of tourists on the bustling boulevard. We started off with fresh, gluten-free Guacamole Dip ($12.50), Corn Esquites ($6.50), beautifully charred corn on the cob with cheese, chipotle aioli, chili sauce and lime for an extra zing, and Camarones Borrachos ($13.50), savory shrimp marinated in tequila, drunken salsa and more mouthwatering goodness atop a crispy tortilla. But what we came for was the Cochinitas al Achiote ($12.50) a.k.a. pork tacos. Yes, the hype for them was very real. If the juicy, well-browned achiote-seasoned Mexican Chorizo wasn't enough, imagine tender pulled pork and smoked bacon with pico de gallo all in one bite. So many rich flavors and textures, so little room in my stomach. Of course I had to squeeze in dessert: decadent dulce de leche ice cream sandwiched between two golden puff pastries. What a perfect ending to my culinary journey through Mexico. Throughout dinner, friendly servers filled our glasses and manager Juan Lo Medico recommended the best dishes to fit our tastes. Jalapeño Mexican Kitchen is open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner from 8:30 a.m. to 12 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 8:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday. While their tacos are indeed tasty (Go on #TacoTuesday!), the Maya Group's restaurant boasts a number of other authentic-flavored options such as breakfast items, burgers, sandwiches, salads, grilled entrees, signature dishes, Cuban-inspired items and an impressive drink menu, all at an exceptional price. So grab your sombrero for a taste of Mexico at Jalapeño Mexican Kitchen! ML FOOD 120 MIAMI LIVING Get your Taco-Tuesday-chimichanga- maragrita fix here! Jalapeño Mexican Kitchen touches down in South Beach Jalapeño Mexican Kitchen is located at 530 Ocean Drive, Miami, FL 33139. Phone: 305-532-4747 Website: www.jalapenomexicankitchen.com Words by Maureen Aimee Mariano