Taquiza

Taquiza’s Steve Santana does more work than he needs to. Not a soul instructed him to undertake the painstaking process of turning it into masa and then making his own tortillas. No one demanded they be filled with the slightly spicy, charred poblano strips called rajas or the tangy corn fungus known as huitlacoche. Yet the programmer-turned-cook, who did stints with Jeremiah Bullfrog and at Giorgio Rapicavoli’s Eating House, decided it had to be done. And that was the beginning of a little walk-up counter on Collins Avenue that set a new standard for excellent tacos in a city where tacos are booming. Margaritas are made with equal care, in virtually any flavor combination you can imagine. Craving yours with fresh coconut water, tamarind, and pineapple? Done! Want a strawberry-cilantro margarita? Your barkeep will muddle the fresh ingredients. (No purée here.) New Normal: Taquiza North Beach is the only location that’s open, but South Beach residents can order for delivery.