We visited Jaguar Ceviche Spoon Bar & Latam Grill in Coconut Grove. I was meeting an editor there for lunch.
Overall it was a good experience. I arrived and my friend was already there, he got a table (not a very good one I must say), I was sitting right next to the waiter station, but right away when I sat the waiter came to our table (I guess that is the benefit of being sat right next to their station =). He presented the wine menu and I choose an Argentinean Chardonnay and they did not have it, ouch. Then I choose an Uruguayan Viognier.
The wine was being served at the perfect time, so I continue reading the menu. They are well known for their Ceviches and Tiraditos so my choice (photo above) was the Ceviche Oriental (tuna, ginger, soy, jalapeños, shallots, cilantro,lime, grape seed oil, avocado, cucumber & sesame seeds) for $15. My friend ordered the Ceviche Peruano (white fish, lime, red onion, corn)
The tuna was very fresh, the sauce was delicate yet made a great accent to the whole dish. The seeds you see on the spoon which is toasted corn where actually quite tasty; salty and crunchy. My first thought when I saw them was "great, start chewing like a cow now" but it was a good surprise, they were easy to get along with my mouth - and that is always a good thing.
OMG when I tried to cut the avocado (those two slices you see on the image), it was so hard I could not cut it!, and I am not the type who fights with the food so I had to move it to the side of the plate - Horrific! - why would you serve me two slices of a very good looking avocado and then deny me to eat it? it is just not right. If this was supposed to be a garnish that was not supposed to be eaten, then it should have had a sign because to me, an avocado supposed to be eaten and it supposed to be creamy, period. I didn't care for the cilantro tree they added at the top -- please if you are going to add a touch of flavor for visual purposes I understand, but do not serve me the whole tree.
My friend mentioned the Ceviche Peruano was great, I did not try it (sorry), but I trust him because he is also a food aficionado like me. We continue the meal and the conversation, the waiter came a couple of times to check on us and he was attentive and knowledgeable - just like they supposed to be. BTY I was a waitress long, long time go, and I have to confess, being a waitress is an art form in itself (okay this conversation is going to other corners, I will leave that for later).
This is their dessert menu, please let me know if my choice wasn't a good one!
I like the plate and it looked great, it looked like it was going to be the treat of the day...
I don't know you, but when I order a creme brulee I expect a smooth creme custard that is not too runny nor too tough, well mister Jaguar really let me down on this one, the creme brulee was runny, too light, not too much flavor and it certainly did not have any notes of tequila, a total disappointment. Maybe I choose the wrong dessert? Could be, but it is definitely not worth the $7.5
"Jaguar’s unique philosophy incorporates diverse menu items showcasing traditional tastes and textures throughout Latin America. Signature items feature traditional favorites with a contemporary flair from Mexico, Peru, Argentina, and Chile. Jaguar’s menu offers a broad canvas of spices and ingredients with perfectly balanced presentation of each dish to showcase its individuality. Jaguar also, proudly features up and coming wines from South America that are just debuting in the United States."
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