A new Mexican restaurant and bar paying homage to the tradition is now open in Coconut Grove.
Located next to Saidel’s Coconut Grove in Tigertail, Coco is the latest creation from Grupo Bakan, which is responsible for Bakan Mexican restaurants in Wynwood and Madrid, Spain, as well as Talavera Cocina Mexicana in Coral Gables.
The restaurant’s design is reminiscent of Bakken Wynwood, with indoor and outdoor seating and a look that blends desert browns and forest greens; Likewise, works of art, textures and materials are designed as an homage to Mexican traditions, from murals to lamps made from fabrics found in different regions of Mexico.
Lalo Durazo, a partner at Grupo Bakan, said the group wants customers to spend a night “immersed in Mexican culture”.
“We wanted to completely differentiate The Grove’s dining options,” they said in a statement. “We draw inspiration from traditional recipes as well as hidden gems that can only be found in Mexican markets and towns, allowing us to venture into cultural flavors passed down through generations.”
The menu focuses on various items from pre-Hispanic Mexico, such as nixtamel, which is a mild corn used in cacao’s taco tortillas, as well as wood fire and mezcal; Tortillas are made daily with native, ancestral and organic corn imported from Oaxaca; And the menu includes carnitas prenadas, rib tacos, and lobster, sausage, and black bean tacos.
The wood-fired grill and rotisserie offers whole or half organic chicken, local snapper, and a variety of smoked meat dishes.
The bar offers over 400 mezcals and tequilas to choose from, as well as cocktails such as the Serra Sandia Serra Malone (made with tequila or mezcal with watermelon, triple sec and lime) or the Mango Patacon (made with tequila or mezcal with mango ) triple sec mint and lime juice). Mayahuel consists of tequila or mezcal and sotol, rhubarb liqueur, guajillo, cinnamon syrup and lime.
The interior dining room of Coco Mexican Restaurant in Coconut Grove.
