The Taste of Yucatán: Unique niche cuisine and a must try for anyone in Orlando

Finally, a change from the regular humdrum and onto a new and never-tried cuisine in Orlando. Taste of Yucatán just opened three weeks ago. It's located not far from the busy intersection of Semoran and Curry Ford. How often do you try an establishment that specializes in regional Mexican cuisine? Unless you are shopping at a local mexican store with a side kitchen serving hot food, the answer is probably not that often.

The building is rather unassuming. To be honest, it used to be a Church's Chicken property before it traded hands. When we arrived, the parking lot had but a few cars and I have to say, I was a little concerned this was not what I had hoped for. 

My reservations about this place melted away as soon as we entered. The restaurant was clean, well lit, minimally decorated, and the ordering counter had 3 flat screens that effectively (and efficiently) described the ordering process while giving ample visual examples of their dishes from one slide to next. To top it off, we had the owner, Joal Rodriguez, take our order with a big smile. His willingness to help make our experience as best as it could get really impressed me as he truly went out of his way to make sure we were satisfied while placing our order.

The process is simple- choose a 'presentation' (taco, quesadilla, bowl, etc.) and the 'filling' that would reside on or in your presentation (mayan-style pork, cheese, chorizo, poblano peppers, etc.). There are appetizers as well... and get this, nothing on the menu is more than $7 per order. Talk about a deal. 

We ordered quite a bit- some panuchos (a Yucatán specialty made by deep-frying a corn tortilla stuffed with refried beans), some tamales, some quesadillas, freshly made guacamole, and a mexican tamarind-flavored soda.

I have to say, everything- and I mean everything- was delicious. Granted, I'm not a connoisseur of Yucatec cuisine or culture, but it's that feeling you get regardless of expertise when you know something has been made with care, consideration, quality, and love. 

I loved the papas con chorizo filling (potatoes and spicy sausage) on my panucho. Contrary to expectation, I didn't see chorizo bits in the mashed potato mixture- rather, the chorizo was completely incorporated into the potatoes to give it an orange-brown hue which permeated that classic spicy sausage taste evenly. 

The vaporsitos (beef tamales scented with wrapped banana leaves) were a little bit on the denser side (I like my tamales soft and very moist) and they had a cake-like consistency. The flavor was milder than what I had expected, but after adding some freshly made salsa verde and homemade spicy sauce of ground chile de árbol in oil, that too disappeared down my throat.

For all you pork lovers, the Cochinita Pibil quesadilla was very good. If I had a second stomach, I would have ordered another one of these. The flour tortillas were pillowy soft and the pulled pork was succulent and mildly spiced while enrobed in a gorgeous thick brown sauce. Add some fresh cilantro, minced onions, and a couple wedges of lime from the condiment area on the counter, and you'll make quick work of this divine dish in minutes.

The guacamole was exceedingly fresh and come in a 5oz container. For something that would cost $8-$10 easily at a fine dining Mexican restaurant, The Taste of Yucatán serves this delicious made-to-order appetizer for a meager $4.50 with a side of tortillas and free unlimited toppings (crema, salsas, pico de gallo, lime wedges, etc.). 

IN A NUTSHELL: Go to this place before the crowds rush in and change it's dynamic. That's because everything is made in-house and it is highly evident that they take great pride in their Yucatec background.  So, if the place gets busy, food wait times may become longer. This is a great place for a quick office meal during the work week if you want to surprise your co-workers by breaking the routine of the usual franchise restaurants. This restaurant offers a cheap bite for any curious foodie that wants to explore their palate without breaking the bank. I highly recommend this place at this time as I'm digging the owners enthusiasm to bring a little bit of the Yucatán to Orlando. I wish this restaurant great success as I was delightfully surprised how good the food, service, and the bill were.

Cochinita quesadilla, Papas con chorizo panucho, and tamales

Made-to-order guacamole with chips. I drizzled the crema and added on the condiments later. The owners special hot sauce (chile de árbol in oil) is on the top right corner of the basket.

An hot and crispy empanada. More panuchos (this time with sautéed poblanos and corn, and another with  Yucatán-style pulled pork). Barbacoa quesadilla (only $3.50).

Tamarind soda. Try it. It's made with 100% real sugar.

Tako Cheena- a preliminary impression

Pom Moongauklang’s new concept will be opening in August. It’s not far from her well-known Pom Pom’s Teahouse and Sandwicheria- about 2 miles away. What I found curious was that this concept seems to reflect on her old New York stomping grounds at Nobu- where Matsuhisha’s Latin-Asian prowess resonate as reminders of her own past. But that’s where the similarity stops- Pom’s vision is for the masses. A mere $2-$6 for a filling bite compared to the Benjamins you’d shuck out over a Michelin Star Chef.

I was lucky enough to try some of her ideas while doing a short video of Tako Cheena on YouTube. Don’t hate- seriously, wish I could send all of you a ‘wish you were there’ postcard. Her restaurant concept may not arguably be the first in Orlando, but it is definitely the frontrunner in creativity.

The Tuna ‘Tataki’ was exceptionally good. Lemongrass-infused avocado, cabbage, and freshly caught Tuna (her friend caught and gifted it to her) marinated in a Thai spice blend formed the foundation of taco. Ginger and scallions splayed the dish with additional flavor dimensions. One note: the guava-salsa that accompanies this dish may enjoyed better on the side. I think the flavors were delightfully deep and savory- the salsa was appending a sweet profile that could be skipped. Adventurous seafood lovers will really dig the seriously (and almost-deafening) mouth-feel on this taco.

The Crispy Fried Tofu will find fans in some vegetarians. Crispy breading generously slapped on with Asian spices was an interestingly ‘intense’ experience that some people would not imagine Tofu to possess. Imbued with smoky curry powder, it wasn’t my personal favorite, but I can see others going gaga over its taste and vegan-friendliness.

IN A NUTSHELL: Tako Cheena will be on 932 Mills Avenue and will open in August. Tako Cheena’s message is simple- explore the flavors of the world on a few dollars. This is a GREAT way to introduce some of your friends to exotic flavors and Pom would probably smile if she saw you doing that. The space is small but will boast local artwork and well as monthly artist gatherings. Realize that this is a completely different concept from the Teahouse (Brooklyners will be surprised to know that there may a Pom Teahouse opening soon in their New York neighborhood). Catering will be available.



Sneak Peek at Pom Pom's new venture! Enjoy :)

Agave Azul: Where South Orlando Hangs on Tuesday nights

In an otherwise normal mall off Conroy and Kirkman road's intersection lies Agave Azul. At first glance, the outside ambience of a patio, blue hues, and potted palm trees is probably promoting a Miami-style atmosphere. I suspect that this place was for a relaxed dining. So, I decided to take a friend out for a casual dinner on a weeknight.

We went to grab a bite around 7:30pm and this place was already packed. Upon seating, I promptly asked for a margarita and jumped straight into the main course as I had already done my homework on them online (by the way, everything matched up- price points, selections, and specials).

I ordered the Quesadilla Guadalajara with grilled steak. It was good- no complaints. But what truly surprised me was the side of rice that was neatly present on one corner of the dish. It was dotted with bellpeppers, beans, and onions. If there wasn't minimal chewing involved, I would say it melted right in my mouth. So delicious and enticing was this elixir, that I quickly forgot about the quesadilla as I had never had such perfect Mexican rice in my life.

On the other side of the table, my friend wasn't hungry. He ordered a $5 taco salad which was surprisingly filling. I ordered Churros for dessert to give him something more to munch on. That was probably the best spontaneous decision of the evening. I was astonished to find how mouth-watering they were. Soft on the inside, cinnammon crunchiness on the outside, two different dipping sauces (purists will find virtue in sticking to the chocolate one)- it was a perfect ending to our meal. I would go back just for the rice and the Churros. If you were in my shoes, you'd be sounding crazy like the previous sentence too.

The service was decent though spotty at times. I kind of surmised that he was overwhelmed by the throngs of people in his section so I'm not going to downplay his efforts.

I think this place is packed because of value AND ambience. In tough economic times, Agave Azul has a smart business concept that lures people in for value and keeps them there for a tasty bite enshrouded in a casual-chic layout.

IN A NUTSHELL- The Mexican rice is a must try. It comes as a side portion to many of the main entrees. This is a place to hang out with your neighbor and meet a few others that you probably noticed at the local grocery store. Tuesday night is $2 margaritas.