Miami Spice Pick 4 - Talavera Cocina Mexicana

Time is almost up to check out Miami Spice restaurants for 2019. But before it is, let me introduce you to my Miami Spice Pick 4: Talavera Cocina Mexicana , located at 2299 Ponce de Leon Boulevard in Coral Gables.

If you're in the mood for traditional Mexican food with a local, creative flare, this is the place to go. Offering a variety of recipes that originated in traditional street markets as well as classic, more refined Mexican cuisine, Talavera combines the best of the Aztec culture with a Miami twist. It goes without saying that you want to start your Miami Spice experience with a Margarita and Talavera gives you a lot to choose from. Their handcrafted cocktail selection will tickle your fancy complete with authentic Mexican flavors and seasonal ingredients.

As we literally got a kick out of dipping our chips in the salsas, we perused the Miami Spice menu. Once again, you can pick from two of each: appetizers, entrees and one dessert. The two appetizer choices are the Ceviche Verde and the Queso Fundido. The Ceviche Verde features a refreshing combination of shrimp, octopus, calamari and scallops, mixed in a special Talavera verde sauce. What I loved is that while it has a bit of spiciness, it's just enough to elevate the flavor without overpowering the taste of the seafood. The Queso Fundido is a fun and delicious choice as well. Melted oaxaca cheese is blended with chorizo and served with flour tortillas. Who moved the cheese please?

And now for the entrees... You can select their Fresh Fish in Salsa Verde (pictured here) or the Beef Mole Coloradito.  You can't go wrong with either entree but we loved the Fresh Fish. This dish consists of their daily caught fish, pan seared, and covered in salsa verde, then cooked with shrimp and served with sauteed veggies.  The Beef Mole Coloradito is a traditional house favorite, featuring braised tender short rib, bathed in classic oaxaca's mole coloradito, served with white rice and green beans. You can almost hear the mariachis singing in every bite.

And now for the finally: Bread Pudding Carajeta, otherwise known as Capirotada Mexicana.  Whoa, it's good. But then again, anything starting with Bread Pudding usually is.  Talavera's homemade version is drowned in Mexican style caramel and sprinkled with walnuts and dried fruit. Yes.... I was mesmerized too.

And there you have it, my Miami Spice Pick 4. Hurry and go check them out. You have just over a week to indulge your senses (and your tummy) with Miami goodness at a reduced price. For more information on Talavera Cocina Mexicana, you can visit their website, or call them at 305-444-2955.