Cantina La Veinte, at the Icon Brickell, is a transportive experience both in flavor and
decor. The two story space incorporates retro black and white tiling with geometric patterns reminiscent of the 1920’s Gatsby era and pays homage to days gone past, similar to Chef Santiago Gomez' culinary style. His dishes balance Mexico’s classic flavors with contemporary applications.
There a row of lovely tables with views of Biscayne Bay and Brickell Key, perfect to view the sunset over the water with a couple margaritas.
I sampled the jalapeño and coconut margaritas, and they are yin and yang embodied in tequila form. If you’re a fan of both sweet and spicy libations, enjoy one of each and thank me later.
The meal began with Sopes de Wagyu, Clear Creek Wagyu served on handmade corn masa topped with bone marrow, queso fresco, and lettuce. This dish perfectly reflects Chef Santiago’s culinary style, blending classic American Wagyu beef with expertly made Mexican
corn masa.
Next, I sampled the Aguachile de King Crab de Alaska with fresh lime juice, cilantro, serrano chile, cucumber, avocado, and white truffle oil. Balancing the earthy truffle, bright citrus, and fresh crab, this dish is an exercise in balancing flavors and textures. And beautiful to behold as well.
My final savory sample was the Chuleton Al Pastor, pork chop in adobo sauce with pineapple, cilantro, and onions. Revel in the quintessential Mexican experience and make your own taco al pastor, piled high with succulent, smoky pork and tangy, sweet pineapple.
For the sweet samplings, the Miami girl in me saw mango and guava, and it was a true Sophie’s Choice for me. Naturally, I tried both. The guava creme brûlée pays homage to Chef Santiago’s Mexican roots, with subtle French influences. Mango panna cotta plays with inherently family flavors, with out of the box preparations.
Considering the sheer number of Mexican restaurants available to us in Miami, Cantina La Veinte excels at providing an elevated dining experience by balancing familiar flavors with out-of-the-box interpretations in a stunning environment. Chef Santiago Gomez, who also helms Brickell City Centre's hot spot, Tacology, has perfected the art of exploring the vast variety of cuisines indigenous to various regions of Mexico.
AND for the Mayweather vs. McGregor fight this Saturday August 26th, beginning at 6 pm, Cantina guests are invited to watch the action on either of the two big screen projection TVs. The screening is reservation-only and bottle service is required. For tables of four, a minimum purchase of one spirit bottle is required; for tables of 6 or more, a minimum purchase of two spirit bottles is required. General restaurant reservations will also be accepted but will be directed downstairs.
495 Brickell Avenue at the Icon Brickell
Miami, FL
786 623 6135