Five restaurants where you can celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in South Florida
Mexico, Peru, Spain and the flavors of Latin American countries. Nothing better than a good plate of food and a craft beer to celebrate Hispanics.
In Hispanic Heritage Month, designated from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 to honoring immigrants who have achieved the American dream and contributed significantly to United States, delighting the palate with Latin seasonings may be a good idea.
As part of this month’s celebration, here is a list of restaurants whose owners are an example of the positive impact that Hispanics generate in this country, and who share their country’s authentic flavors.
Bakan
2801 NW Second Ave., Miami
Country: Mexico
Bakan is a Mexican restaurant located in the heart of Wynwood, Miami’s arts district. Since its opening in December 2018, the 6,000-square-foot indoor and outdoor bar-restaurant attempts to transport guests to Mexico in a modern and highly artistic space.
Every inch of space conveys a fun, lively and warm atmosphere and the ideal climate to enjoy a true Mexican experience; from the open-pit kitchen that allows visitors to witness the art of handcrafted pancakery, to the four-story display case filled with over 500 mezcales and tequilas.
Bakan is part of the Jaguar Hospitality Group, which since its inception in 2005 has generated hundreds of jobs in its various restaurant concepts.
The chef is Sergio Suarzo, originally from Veracruz. Bakan serves lunch and dinner.
Osaka Nikkei Miami
1300 Brickell Bay Drive, Miami
Country: Peru
Osaka Nikkei is not a restaurant, it’s an experience, its owners say.
The Osaka experience entices visitors with its magical fusion of Peruvian flavors and aromas with techniques of Japanese cuisine.
Osaka Nikkei first opened in the United States in December 2019, but its name has a track record and is internationally honored.
“Osaka is a place where we not only pay tribute to Nikkei gastronomy, able to combine Japanese food and technique with explosive and always creative Peruvian cuisine, but also we offer an exceptional experience focused on the enjoyment of all the senses,” said owners Diego Herrera and Diego de la Puente.
Herrera and the Bridge created Osaka in Lima 18 years ago, and today they have restaurants in cities such as Quito, Santiago, Asunción, Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo and Bogota.
“It’s not Japanese food with Peruvian ingredients or Peruvian food with Japanese ingredients, it’s rather a cultural half-breed that goes back more than 100 years when nearly 7,000 Japanese traveled to Peru,” the owners said.
Bulla Gastrobar
The Falls, Doral and Coral Gables
Country: Spain
Bulla Gastobar was created by Carlos Centurión of Spain, and it’s designed to imitate the famous gastrobar of Spain. Its bar is the center, gathering people to taste delicious cocktails and to share a pleasant moment.
The real success of this gastrobar is its culinary creations, Spanish dishes such as Patatas Bravas, Huevos Bulla, Cod Fritters and other tapas, as well as tempting daily specialties presented under the direction of Executive Regional Chef Diego Solano.
With locations in South Florida, North Carolina and Texas, Bulla Gastrobar plans to continue its expansion in the United States.
Pisco and Nazca
Kendall, Doral and Washington, D.C.
Country: Peru
From the creators of Bulla Gastrobar, Pisco and Nazca opened in November 2015 in Miami.
The team behind Pisco and Nazca traveled to Peru in order to explore their culture and gastronomy in order to offer an authentic experience.
That knowledge is reflected in the design, cuisine and atmosphere of the restaurant.
Pisco and Nazca are two cities in Peru, but they are also two spirits. Pisco is grape brandy and nazca is cane brandy. The expression “being between Pisco and Nazca” for Peruvians describes imbibing too much liquor, but the restaurants used these two iconic names to promote fun and enjoyment among friends and loved ones in a social environment.
Pisco y Nazca projects a casual, modern and fun atmosphere with earthy coppery tones, rich bluish green and orange accents, walnut wood floors and handmade concrete tiles, all inspired by the textures and colors of the Peruvian landscape.
At both South Florida locations, guests are greeted by the sprawling bar with a large display of custom-designed chandeliers and bar stools.
Designed to create an open flow space between the dining room and the outdoor patio, the layout allows guests to easily move around and socialize. Located inside each dining room, two private rooms are equipped with complimentary built-in screens and LCD projectors, perfect for private parties.
The sharing menu is divided into three sections: ceviches, small plates and background plates. Pisco and Nazca offers a typical ceviche menu with options including Nikkei [Japanese], mirin, soy sauce, wasabi peas, cucumbers, tiger milk, wonton and sesame and creamy fish, shrimp, celery, habanero, and potatoes.
Among the other dishes are fish, shrimp, tiger’s milk with passion fruit, court, choclo and burger “Beast,” an 8-ounce C.A.B. served in a pretzel bun, tomato and pancake chutney, rocoto with aioli and fries.
Veza Sur Brewing Co
55 NW 25th St., Miami
Located in the heart of Miami’s trendy Wynwood Arts District, Veza Sur Brewing Co. is a Miami-born craft brewery representing South Florida’s diverse Latino community.
Offering a wide variety of beers ranging from Craft Lagers to Sours, Veza Sur stays true to its mission of brewing craft beer, incorporating flavors and techniques found throughout Latin America.
“From Craft Lagers and IPA to Sours, we stay true to craft beer. We also serve Brazilian Chopp, the highly appreciated cold and crunchy Brazilian Lager beer. Do you want to explore? Our Fusion Beer-Tail Bar and Micheladas won’t disappoint you,” the company’s promotional material says..
Behind the bar, customers will find a wall of shelves full of trinkets, books and souvenirs from almost every Latin American country.
The brewery takes inspiration from the team’s Latin roots to create fresh and refreshing beers and incorporate ready-to-use ingredients into the beer, such as lulo, pomegranate, fresh jalapeno and grapefruit.
Veza Sur is now available in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and Tampa.
“Thirsty and hungry? Combine your beer with a Chi-Fa sandwich, the Chinese-Peruvian food truck parked in our yard,” they say.
yvaldez@sunsentinel.com ,954-825-7827, @yvonnehvaldezz on Facebook, Twitter.
———
©2020 the Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)
Visit the Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) at www.sun-sentinel.com
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
