Cantina La Veinte to open in Brickell

AUTHENTIC MEXICAN FARE COMES TO BRICKELL WITH CANTINA LA VEINTE

Stylish Waterfront Restaurant & Bar to Open at Icon Brickell – Summer 2014

Flavor, heat, spices, texture, savory sauces – Mexican cuisine is known for its deliciously creative blend of indigenous Mesoamerican cooking with European, specifically Spanish, influences. In Mexico, the Cantina is a gastronomic experience in which the bar plays a central role; it is a cultural expression of its location and a go-to destination for cocktails, spirits and libations, while offering a hearty menu of traditional Mexican cuisine. This summer, Miami will celebrate the arrival of its first true Cantina, with the opening of Cantina La Veinte – a sophisticated waterfront Mexican restaurant and bar, slated to open Summer 2014 at Icon Brickell.

Photos provided by Brustman Carrino Public Relations

Cantina La Veinte comes to the United States via Cinbersol Group, a leading Mexican hospitality company dedicated to providing high-end dining experiences and exceptional service in luxurious yet unpretentious settings to its savvy patrons. Over the past few years, the entrepreneurial team behind Cinbersol has successfully launched more than 30 restaurant and lounge concepts throughout Mexico. In 2011, the first Cantina La Veinte was opened in Polanco, a trendy district in Mexico City; in early 2013 and 2014, another two Cantina La Veintes were opened in the city’s Reforma and Santa Fe neighborhoods. In addition to its Cantina concepts, Cinbersol currently owns and operates multiple restaurants and lounges in Mexico including Asadero Uno; Sud 777; Splendido; Fat Crow; Ragga; 50 Compas; Kiga; Joy Room; Ivoire; and Club Piso 51, among others. The team has longed to open in the U.S. for years and has finally chosen to launch its first American outpost in one of the country’s most diverse cultural meccas – Miami.

“We have been looking to expand into the United States for some time now and we chose to open our first Cantina La Veinte location in Miami because we feel it is the bridge between Latin and North America, with a worldly crowd who will appreciate this exciting concept,” says Alberto Cinta, Co-Founder of Cinbersol Group. “We’re looking forward to begin serving our patrons.”

Designed by Mexican architectural firm Niz + Chauvet, the 220 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. An open exhibition kitchen will serve as a focal point where guests can enjoy all of the action, including handmade tortilla making. 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 breathtaking 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, which will offer an array of fine wines, cheeses, a coffee and juice bar and a deli with fresh made-to-order sandwiches.

For the menu at Cantina La Veinte, the team has enlisted executive chef Santiago Gomez who will bring his culinary prowess to Miami from Mexico City. To start, diners will be able to choose from an array of authentic Mexican appetizers: Botanas Del Mar and De La Tierra (starters from the sea and from the land), which will include Aguachile – prawns or scallops in a Serrano chile lime marinade; Tostadas de Atun – yellowfin tuna, crispy wonton chips, grilled corn guacamole, “Xcatic” peppers and chipotle aioli; and Gorditas de Chicharron Prensado – pressed chicharron, thick homemade tortilla and tomatillo salsa. Tortas, or Mexican Sandwiches, will feature Bacalao a la Vizcaina – Bizcaine-style salt cod braised in tomato sauce with olives, red peppers, garlic and Spanish olive oil; and Pierna – roasted pork leg with avocado, fresh cream and chipotle sauce. Main plates known as Fuertes will include Huachinango Frito – a deep fried, whole-roasted boneless red snapper with chile de arbol salsa and crisp garlic flakes; and Cecina de Yecapixtla – thinly sliced smoked beef, herb Requesón cheese, farm fresh cream and Nopal cactus salad. Blending a hint of heat with bold flavor, Chiles Rellenos (stuffed peppers) such as the Güero – fresh “Xcatic” pepper stuffed with smoked marlin ceviche and passion fruit coulis; Jalapeño – bacon-wrapped jalapeño peppers with cream cheese and pasilla-chile marmalade; and Poblano – roasted poblano pepper with black bean chorizo and Oaxaca cheese sauce, are sure to delight both Mexican cuisine lovers and foodies alike.

Cantina La Veinte will boast one of the largest selection of high-end tequilas and mezcals in the United States, as well as a versatile list of fine wines. Imbibers can expect creative craft cocktails, tequila and mezcal tastings and high-end wine pairing dinners. With its unique bar program, authentic Mexican cuisine and beautiful contemporary setting, Cantina La Veinte will bring a one-of-a-kind dining experience to Downtown Miami. The restaurant, slated to open Summer 2014, will be located at 495 Brickell Avenue at Icon Brickell and will be open daily for lunch and dinner. Discounted valet parking will be available. Telephone: (786) 357-0038.