Tacontento (closed)
Closed Tacontento, the newest addition to the South Beach dining scene, offers diners an authentic Mexican taquería since its debut in June 2010.The full-service restaurant presents fresh and vibrant Mexican cuisine in a welcoming, fun and festive environment. Tacontento combines the quality of high-end Mexican restaurants with the quick service and lively atmosphere of fast-causal spots. Tacontento, translated as “be happy” in English, shares its passion for the Mexican food experience with its careful, artisanal preparations of authentic recipes. Everything served at Tacontento is handmade with fresh ingredients – no preservatives, no can openers and no freezers! Tortillas are made onsite at the traditional Comal and a delightful assortment of salsas are prepared daily. Tacontento takes its guests on a journey through Mexico with affordable cuisine complemented by a full bar and expansive outdoor patio seating.
Tacontento is an international brand that has been taking Latin American markets by storm. The South Beach location serves as the first domestic outpost and flagship for the franchise. The family-owned “franchise with personality” began in the late ‘90s with a taco stand in Guatemala City, Guatemala and has now grown to include over 14 restaurants in Latin America: El Salvador, Nicaragua, Honduras, Brazil, Panama and Mexico. The brand currently opens a new location every 45 days and is expected to open over 25 locations by the end of 2010.
The menu features Mexican classics and new favorites, all for under $20. The starters, or Antojitos Mexicanos, include the Chicharron de Queso (a house specialty grilled cheese “crispy and rolled up” – $7), Sincronizadas (two flour tortillas filled with ham and cheese and finished with guacamole and pico de gallo – $7) and Ceviche Monterrico (fish, shrimp or mixed – $12). Starters also feature Queso Fundido, Nachos Tacontento, Quesadillas, Flautas and more. The Sopitas (soups) are made from scratch and are available in half-size portions. They include the Caldo Tlalpeño (homemade consommé with chicken, vegetables, avocado, lime, cilantro, onions and rice – $6) and the Sopa Azteca (chicken tortilla soup with cream, avocado and cotija cheese – $6). Ensaladas (salads) offer light options such as the Mango Ceviche Salad (semi-ripened mango seasoned with salt, lime and roasted pumpkinseed – $7).
The Tacos at Tacontento, its signature menu item, are made with fresh corn tortillas from the in-house Comal. Guests can choose from a variety of tacos, like the Tacos al Pastor (adobe marinated pork slow cooked in open coal fire – $9), Tacos de Pollo (chicken – $9), Tacos de Lomo de Cerdo (pork tenderloin – $9), Tacos de Cochinita Pibil (pulled pork in a spicy sweet ‘n’ sour sauce – $9), Tacos de Chorizo Mexicano ($9), Tacos de Champinones (vegetable taco with mushrooms and garlic – $8) and more. There are also Specialty Tacos, allowing guests to make their own with tortillas on the side. For example, the Hawaiana Tacos are a combination of pastor, ham, pineapple and melted Mexican cheese – $11.
The Mexi Classics round out the menu with Enchiladas Verdes (three tortillas stuffed with chicken, Mexican cheese and salsa with fresh tomatillos – $13), a Torta Mexicana (Mexican pirujo bread stuffed with the meat of your choice, cheese, beans and guacamole, served with papas campesinas – $9 – $11) and more. There are also a handful of dinner platters and combination platters for larger groups. To finish the meal, Los Desserts satisfy any sweet tooth with offerings like Sweet Chimichangas (homemade crispy, tortilla filled with sweet cheeses and strawberries topped with salsita de fresa – $5.50), Pie Maya (traditional Mexican corn pie – $5.50), Churros de Cajeta (made to order churros with a choice of dulce de leche or sweet cacao – $5.50) and more.
Tacontento’s Bar Agave includes a fuchsia silestone bar with antique wood panels from Antigua, Guatemala, adobe bricks on the wall, hand-stitched textiles on the sofas, artisanal bar stools and four large television screens. The bar’s signature element is the massive “angel soplon” (blowing angel) which was handcrafted for the restaurant. The expansive outdoor patio will be unveiled shortly after opening and will include lounge seating perfect for meeting a group of friends to watch the 2010 FIFA World Cup and enjoy refreshing cocktails.
Bar Agave offers guests a stellar collection of handcrafted cocktails and frozen or “on the rocks” margaritas, all made with 100% blue agave tequila. Drinks are sweetened with natural organic agave nectar and employ only fresh and healthy ingredients including fruit purees, herbs and spices. In addition, the signature sangrias include La Apasionada, Red Mexicali and La Vida Color Rosa. Cabelas and cheladas, Mexican beer mixed with sweet & sour over ice and rimmed with chili tajin, will also be available. The inventive cocktails were designed by the Tacontento team and include La Fuente de la Juventud (cucumber juice, cilantro, jalapeno Tabasco and Cazadores Blanco Tequila), Manojo de Tres (Corralejo Tequila Blanco, apple, ginger, strawberry, Domaine de Canton ginger liqueur, lime and agave nectar), Drunken Angels (Gran Centenario Rosangel Tequila and pomegranate juice) and more.
For more information, please call 305.673.1552 or visit www.tacontento.com. (The restaurant is located steps from Lincoln Road Mall and around the corner from Macy’s South Beach.) Tacontento is open Sunday through Wednesday from 12 pm to 12 am, and Thursday through Saturday from 12 pm to 1 am.
Tacontento
715 N. Lincoln Lane
Miami Beach, FL 33139
