Festive decor with multi-colored
pinatas overhead and bright pink and yellow walls draw you into Tacontento. And
before you know it, you're seated at a lime green table sipping a
cool, refreshing glass of horchata ($4). Scanning the menu, your
eye is drawn to the guacamole ($9), which comes
chunky with mild flavors that don't distract your palate from the
avocado. It is topped with diced tomatoes and cilantro. The tortilla
chips are thick, not greasy, and come
unsalted. Is it worth $9? Probably not. Chips and guac should be half
the price.
The signature dish is the
tacontento ($29). It's suggested for two to
three people, it could even be shared amongst four if you're ordering
an appetizer or two. The large platter is comprised of grilled meats
-- chicken, chorizo, steak, pork loin, and tacos al pastor. The
meats bleed into one another because of the way they're arranged, so
if you're particular about your meats touching, speak up. Sauteed
scallions, flautas, Mexican cheese fondue, cheese quesadillas, spring
onions, and guacamole also accompany the meats. The flautas are
delicious. Stir the fondue. The quesadillas are
so-so; floppy and bland. Warm corn tortillas are served in a separate
basket. You're making your own tacos, so get creative and don't be
afraid to apply the fondue, a scallion, and multiple salsas generously.
The idea is noble and the meats and tortillas are delicious. For two,
$29 is still a bit steep to split considering it is Mexican food.
While small ramekins of a medley of
salsas/chiles are brought to the table and replenished without
question, we tried the detrimentally hot habanero and
mango salsa. It starts off sweet, as you roll the
taste of mango along your tongue, and then the spice sets your mouth on fire. Everything in moderation is the
suggestion here.
We finished our meal with a sweet
chimichanga ($6 for one, $10 for two). It was a homemade crispy sweet tortilla
filled with sweet cheeses and topped with strawberry sauce. The sauce
was watery and the sweet cheeses oozed out and all over the plate.
Not the greatest dessert.
Tacontento
715 N. Lincoln Lane, Miami Beach
305-673-1552
