Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food

6000 Universal Blvd.

Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 224-3663
View Website Here

Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food is one of many dining options available at Universal City Walk. Although the decor is very lively and fun, It certainly is very far from being Authentic. That’s not necessarily a bad thing thing though.

The food that is served up is pretty decent for the most part, and some things can be hit or miss, but let’s face it...this in the heart of a huge tourist area. While I wouldn't go so far as to say it’s a tourist trap, it is a place that I’m ok with not being fully authentic.

Once you step inside of Antojitos, you will find a lively fiesta vibe with neon lights, loud music, and array of decorations that get you into party mode. 

The bar has plenty of cocktails and tequila creations like the “Blood Orange Margarita” or the “Horse You Rode In On” made with Herradura Reposado Tequila, Ginger Beer, Amarena Black Cherry and Simple Syrup. They also have a very extensive line up of tequila by the shot that range from $5.00 to $60.00 for a shot of Casa Dragones.

The menu features made from scratch Mexican street fare with flavorful favorites like tacos, empanadas, and fajitas with traditional creations like hearty Mar y Tierra Stew and bright Mahi Veracruzana. Some items are just not quite authentic, are more of an artistic expression of what that dish should be.

The Chips and Salsa were pretty much standard fare for any Tex-Mex place. The salsa was a tad bland, but not too bad.

A Tropical Mojito on the Left and The Horse you rode in on the right made with Herradura Reposado Tequila, Ginger Beer, Amarena Black Cherry and Simple Syrup.

The bar is a focal point as soon as you walk into Antojitos and it has pretty cool vibe with lots of neon lights.

Queso Fundido La Generala is made with Menonita Cheese topped with chorizo sausage and ancho spice, served with warm flour tortillas.

The Carnitas were really good with beer braised chili pork, salsa verde, guacamole, queso fresco, grilled Serrano chili, black beans and house rice, but for the price of $16.95, the portion was underwhelming.

We really enjoyed the Churrasco that is composed of skirt steak, ancho, chimichurri, grilled chorizo, black bean puree, house rice and crispy chile onions. This was very tender and flavorful and had adequate portions.

As I said earlier, some things are hit or miss here, and they try to do too much with artistic expression. This is the Tamales at Antojitos and they were rather strange. They made them as a souffle, and I get the idea they were going for...the flavors were there, but it lacked the ultimate flavor of a good Tamale with a good homemade corn tortilla. Interesting, but missed the mark.

Inside of Antojitos is very spacious and open with a few different dining areas.

With live Mariachi music setting the tone on select nights, Neon Lights galore and a crazy atmosphere this is a festive dining experience every day of the week. The food is good and you will have a good time here, just don't expect authentic Mexican as the name suggests.

Antojitos is open Sunday to Thursday from 3:00 pm to Midnight, and Friday to Saturday from 3:00 pm to 1:00 am.

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Cinco Tacos + Tequila

140 N. Orlando Ave.

Winter Park, FL 32789
407-725-7100
View Website Here

In the land of Tacos and Tex-Mexerys opening up on what seems like a weekly basis in Orlando, what could be better than another taco and Tex-Mex spot right? 

Only this time we are going to make it a more upscale persuasion and call it Cinco Tacos + Tequila.

Cinco is all about bold flavors, varied textures and delicious aromas from a scratch kitchen and a colorful decor with the sound of diners laughing together. Cinco Tacos + Tequila has a main goal of bringing a total sensory experience to the Winter Park restaurant scene.

The new eatery has opened up at the former site of Carmel Kitchen, 140 N. Orlando Ave with a Cali Mex concept, taking the flavors of favorite Mexican dishes and adding an artistic twist.

Signature dishes at Cinco include: Tableside Guacamole, Adobo Fried Chicken, Pizza Stand Nachos, Fajita Chimichanga Samosas, made-to-order desserts and an impressive assortment of street tacos.

Of course, complimentary chips and salsa will begin every meal. But the new concept isn’t just focused on excellent dining. The restaurant also has a fun, upbeat vibe with plenty of signature drinks to set the mood. The bar offers mixologist inspired takes on the classic margarita while still boasting an impressive list of more traditional cocktails.

The complimentary chips and house made salsa were a decent way to get started.

A pair of House Margaritas made with Sauza Tequila and house made sour mix were pretty smooth.

Ceviche de Camarones, or a fancy Shrimp Ceviche is made with fresh shrimp served on top of sliced cucumbers. These were pretty good and a great light bite appetizer.

Cinco Nachos are large and in charge and have really great flavor, with house made tortilla chips, cotija cheese, queso, chicken, lettuce, pico de gallo, sour cream, salsa and cilantro and are great for sharing.

The Grande Margarita on the left is served on the rocks with strawberries, mango, silver tequila, triple sec, fresh lime and is served over bubbling dry ice...pretty tasty and very entertaining. The Bubbly Pop on the right is a glass of Champagne with a house made fresh fruit popsicle in the glass.

Arroz con Pollo is served with seasoned and sauteed chicken breast, avocado, Mexican rice, black beans, mixed vegetables, pico de gallo, and chipotle lime crema in a fancy presentation.

The Ancho Chile Salmon was pretty impressive. It is made with wild caught salmon, ancho chile honey glaze, Mexican rice and black bean puree.

The Pop Martini with pineapple infused Vodka and a rim of pop rocks on the left and a Blue Raspberry Lemonade with Svedka Vodka blue raspberry vodka and fresh made lemonade is on the right. Both were great cocktails and fun to drink.

Here’s a nice shot of the bar at Cinco, and I will have to say, they are pretty creative with the drink menu here. Almost everything we tried was flavorful and fun to drink with great presentations and fresh flavors.

We visited during a partial soft opening, so the dessert menu was not available yet, and I was a tad disappointed that I did not get to try the Churro Donuts, or the Bannanas Foster Butter Cake, or the Lime Vanilla Creme Brulee.

Cinco has several specials planned throughout the week, including Taco Tuesday and brunch on both Saturday and Sunday. Brunch will offer diners a selection of small plates, as well as tableside mimosas and bloody marys. We really enjoyed the food and the concept here, even if there are like 10 taco and and Tex-Mex establishments in a 5 mile radius, so we hope they last and do well here.

The kitchen and Bar at Cinco opens at 11:00 am from Monday to Friday, and on Saturday and Sunday they open at 10:00 am. Friday and Saturday, the bar is open until 2:00 am, and the kitchen closes at 1:00 am.

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Cinco Tacos + Tequila coming to Winter Park

140 N Orlando Ave.

Winter Park, FL 32789
View Website Here

From bold flavors, varied textures and delicious aromas from the scratch kitchen to colorful décor and the sound of diners laughing together, Cinco Tacos + Tequila is bringing a total sensory experience to the Winter Park restaurant scene.

The new eatery will soon open at the former site of Carmel Kitchen, 140 N. Orlando Ave. Cinco will offer a Cali Mex concept, taking the flavors of favorite Mexican dishes and adding an artistic twist.

Signature dishes at Cinco include: Tableside Guacamole, Adobo Fried Chicken, Pizza Stand Nachos, Fajita Chimichanga Samosas, made-to-order desserts and an impressive assortment of street tacos.

Of course, complimentary chips and salsa will begin every meal. But the new concept won’t just be focused on excellent dining. The restaurant will also have a fun, upbeat vibe with plenty of signature drinks to set the mood. The bar will offer mixologist-inspired takes on the classic margarita while still boasting an impressive list of more traditional cocktails.

Cinco has several specials planned throughout the week, including Taco Tuesday and brunch on both Saturday and Sunday. Brunch will offer diners a selection of small plates, as well as tableside mimosas and bloody marys.

“We’re bringing something new to Winter Park,” said restauranteur Greg Pranzo. “Our take on this food is something people won’t have tried before, and with our focus on service, presentation, and of course, a fun atmosphere, we’re confident Cinco will soon become a go-to for diners.”

Cinco Tacos + Tequila is slated to open in July.

The restaurant is currently hiring for all positions, including servers, hosts, bartenders and kitchen positions. Cinco anticipates bringing on a staff of 100. To apply, please visit the location at 140 N. Orlando Ave for interviews.

More information will soon be available at cincotacosandtequila.com.

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Cocina 214 Set to Open Second Location in Daytona Beach

357 S. Atlantic Ave.
Daytona Beach, FL.
32118
View Website Here

Cocina 214, in Downtown Winter Park is expanding to include a second location at a popular beachfront spot in Daytona Beach.

Executive Chef Isidro Alvarez is leading the award winning restaurant’s kitchen staff and menu ingenuity.

With more than 35years of experience in the restaurant industry, Alvarez is the perfect person to hold this well deserved position, overseeing the production of Cocina’s high quality and fresh Tex Mex dishes.

Previously, he trained with notable chef David Cordua and founder Michael Cordua of Churrascos Restaurants, in addition to working for Hilton Hotel and other restaurants.

Dining Room Rendering

Cocina 214 is an award-winning contemporary Mexican Kitchen & Bar. The name is a combination of the Spanish word for kitchen, “cocina” and the Dallas area code, “214.” The idea for opening Cocina 214 developed when two of the owners from Texas missed the Tex-Mex and Mexican food they had grown up eating.

They wanted the same authentic, fresh and quality food here in Florida. Cocina 214’s menu combines bold flavors with the freshest local ingredients to create exceptional Tex-Mex – all served in a vibrant, elegant setting.

The first location opened in May of 2011 in Downtown Winter Park. Since it's inception, Cocina 214 has won over 35 awards, including, “Best Mexican Restaurant” and “Best Tex Mex”, among others.

Cocina 214 is known as a vibrant and hip spot for brunch, lunch and dinner with a lively bar that is still approachable and family friendly. The new Daytona Beach location will look to continue that trend and uniquely position itself as the best Tex Mex destination in the heart of Daytona Beach.

Chefs make Cocina dishes twice daily from scratch to ensure the freshness and highest quality dishes. Cocina also offers a variety of vegan and gluten - free options to accommodate the preferences of all its guests.

Bar Rendering

The newest location will be aiming to provide guests with real authentic Tex-Mex, the freshest local ingredients and made from scratch dishes, including homemade tortillas, eclectic salsas, unique sauces,savory tacos, fiery fajitas and famous signature margaritas.

The Daytona Beach location plans to be open from Monday to Sunday from 11 a.m. until midnight.

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LIQS Cocktail Shots

No Bartender? No Problem...Say Hello to LIQS, the world's first ready to drink cocktail shots.

LIQS™ is a line of super premium “cocktail shots,” that announced the launch of its ready-to-drink shots in exclusive locations throughout Florida and nationwide by fall 2014.

Born from the minds of two entrepreneurs from Miami and New York, LIQS™ is the first premium prepared shot brand. Quality crafted cocktail recipes are packaged into unique, innovative ready-to-drink shots that are sold at retail locations. They are portable and are ready to be enjoyed anywhere, anytime.

LIQS™ is far from the ‘test-tube’ style shooters sold in some nightclubs. Instead, the LIQS™ duo offers custom designed super-premium shots in high quality plastic shot glasses that are ideal for boating, pool or beach parties, home entertaining, catered affairs, music festivals and sporting events.  

Using natural flavors and premium spirits, LIQS™ established a new spirits category: ‘Cocktail Shots.’ These cocktails in a shot are delicious, uniquely flavored, low calorie, kosher and made in the USA. LIQS debuted with 4 flavors: Tequila Cinnamon Orange, Vodka Cucumber Lime, Vodka Lychee Grapefruit and Vodka Kamikaze.

“The sophisticated drinker is no longer satisfied with low-quality spirits and artificial ingredients,” said Co-Founder Harley Bauer. The team behind LIQS conducted extensive experimentation and blind tastings that led them to launch with these four flavors that were the unanimous favorites of the discerning beverage consumer.

LIQS™ Cocktail Shots are packaged in 3, making them perfect for those seeking indulgence and convenience. Ideal for any occasion, LIQS™ delivers mixology without the mixologist. 

National debut across Florida and around the country by fall 2014.

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