Cantina Beach

• Cuisine(s): Mexican
  Hours: Sun-Thu 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10pm
  Price: $$$$ $$$$
  Payment Types: All Major Credit Cards
• Attire: Casual
  Features: Banquet Facilities, Kid Friendly, Patio/Sidewalk Dining, Private Party
  Serving: Dinner, Lunch
  Alcohol: Full bar
• Reservations: Not Accepted
  Parking: Lot Available, Valet

Description

Why travel to a luxury resort in Mexico when you can experience authentic cuisine and vacation-like ambiance on Key Biscayne? At the Ritz-Carlton's Cantina Beach, you'll find an open-air, poolside dining room run by Chiapas-born chef de cuisine Andres Parlange. Don't overdo it at the addictive guacamole station. Save room for inventive menu additions such as tostadas de cochinita pibil, made from delicately fried corn tortillas with a spread of slow-cooked garlicky refried beans topped with tender sour-orange-marinated pork that's been braised four hours. A light finish of shredded romaine, queso fresco, and your choice of house-made pineapple pico de gallo or avocado tomatillo sauce completes the dish. Another must-try are the cut-with-a-fork enchiladas suizas, double-cooked and filled with zesty Chihuahua cheese, lightly roasted squash, red onions, tomatoes, and herb oil-marinated grilled chicken breast. Prices are reasonable too, considering the setting; entrées packed with fresh Florida seafood, such as the cazuela de mariscos, cost $30. And while you're there, take advantage of South Florida's largest collection of tequilas. There's even a tequilier to offer pairing recommendations.