June 29, 2017

Cantina La Veinte With New Temptations And Promotions This Summer

Tucked inside the Icon Brickell is culinary gem Cantina La Veinte. Approaching its three-year anniversary, the two-story restaurant with views of Biscayne Bay and Brickell Key has continuously taken diners and imbibers on a gastronomic journey through rarely-explored areas of Mexico. Positioned among the best fine dining establishments in Miami, Cantina delivers exceptional service and four-star cuisine for an elevated Mexican dining experience unlike anything else in the region. Offering a refined menu brimming with vibrant Central-American flavors as well as handcrafted specialty cocktails and one of the country’s largest selections of high-end tequilas and mezcals, the eatery is a celebrated hotspot for an authentic Mexican cantina experience – in which the bar plays a pivotal role, the food expresses the culture and the ambiance excites. Staying true to this, Cantina La Veinte has introduced a new menu offering a multitude of temptations and a series of weekly promotions.

As executive chef of both Cantina La Veinte and the recently opened Tacology, Chef Santiago Gomez seamlessly combines Mexican favorites with Miami flair. New appetizer offerings include Carpaccio de Pulpo ($19) – octopus, celery, cucumber, red onion and cilantro oil – and the Aguachile de King Crab de Alaska ($28) – Alaskan King Crab, fresh lime juice, cilantro, serrano chile, cucumber, avocado and white truffle oil. For small bites packed with big flavor, new small plates to share include Tacos Dorados de Cangrejo ($26) – crispy masa filled with crab meat and topped with cilantro sauce; Calamares Fritos ($19) – fried calamari with carrots in escabeche and escabeche aioli – and Sopes de Wagyu ($26) – Clear Creek Wagyu served on handmade corn masa, topped with bone marrow, queso fresco and lettuce. The not-to-be-missed Make Your Own Taco section offers up an exciting addition, Chuleton Al Pastor – pork chop in adobo sauce with pineapple, cilantro and onions. Featuring summer-flavors, two new entrees provide a light take on the main course: Arroz Verde de Cilantro ($21) – white rice cooked in cilantro broth, served with grilled seasonal vegetables and chile guero aioli; Huachinango y Camarones en Salsa Poblana ($29) – pan-seared red snapper served with prawns, seasonal mushrooms, white asparagus and poblano sauce.

Adding to the restaurant’s polished, Mexican Art Deco ambiance are spirited mariachis. Every Wednesday through Saturday, 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM, and Sunday afternoon, 3PM to 5 PM, traditional Mexican sounds begin and a rumba erupts. On Tuesdays, guests are invited to partake in “Taco Tuesday” with a specially-priced ($18, for three) taco menu including delectable favorites – Tacos de Ribeye Con Queso, Tacos de Langosta and Tacos de Cochinita.

Providing relief from a busy week is Cantina’s Wednesday Ladies Night. From 5 PM to 10 PM, a local DJ plays beats as ladies mix, mingle and savor complimentary craft margaritas. Essential to Cantina’s gastronomic experience is the restaurant’s bar and cocktail program which features an expansive selection of margaritas both classic and innovative as well as handcrafted cocktails. Made with fresh, natural ingredients and vibrant bold flavors, guest favorites include the Mariachi Loco ($16) – Avíon Silver Tequila, 1800 Coconut Tequila, cucumber, pineapple and agave; Mezcalarita ($16) – Montelobos Mezcal, passion fruit puree, agave nectar and egg white; and the Key Lime Martini ($17) – Ketel One Vodka, Liquor 43, lime juice, agave, nectar and cream. Unique libations include two luxurious margaritas made with premium, top-shelf tequilas: Millionaire ($75) – Don Julio 1942, Grand Marnier, fresh lime juice and agave and the Billionaire ($150) – Don Julio Real, Grand Marnier 1880, fresh lime juice and agave.

Offering unparalleled sophistication in both design and cuisine, Cantina is the ideal location for any occasion, business lunches included. A three-course Prix Fixe Lunch Menu ($30), available Monday through Friday from noon – 4 PM, provides an unbeatable, wallet-friendly fine-dining experience for busy Brickellites on the go.

Beyond lunch, Happy Hour and dinner, Cantina La Veinte provides the perfect backdrop to any private event. Guests have the option of choosing between the restaurant’s two gorgeous spaces: the stunning main room that reflects Mexican Art Deco architecture through black and gold accents and the breathtaking covered garden terrace with gorgeous bay views overlooking the Brickell Key skyline. Private event packages feature various prix fixe menus and suggested add-ons such as mariachis, valet parking, a DJ, photographer and more.

Cantina La Veinte is located at 495 Brickell Avenue at the Icon Brickell. Lunch and dinner are served Monday – Wednesday, noon until midnight; Thursday – Saturday, noon – 1 AM. Happy Hour is offered Monday – Friday, 4 PM – 8 PM. Telephone: (786) 623-6135; cantinala20.com.