Belkys: Hey Ethan wanna have dinner next week?
19 year old nephew Ethan: Sure Bel.
Belkys: Let’s go to this new place that opened in Wynwood called “Coyo Taco.”
19 year old nephew Ethan: Oh yeah, I’ve been there it’s good
What!!!!!!??????? How did he know about Coyo Taco before me? I’m the one who knows the South Florida food scene not him?
Well, here’s how, cuz it’s good! Really good, simple, fresh, well priced traditional Mexican food with a modern twist. It’s part of Coyo Tacos philosophy “todo es fresco” or everything is fresh. Executive Chef Scott Linquist really gets it right after having spent a major part of his life studying all things Mexican. Heck, even the name is Mexican based. Coyo is short for Coyoacan, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Mexico City known for its artsy/Bohemian scene, kinda like Wynwood where Coyo Taco is located. It’s a casual place, just like the neighborhood. You walk up and place your order, get a number and sit down at the communal tables. A server brings your dishes when they’re ready. They even have a taco window for quick takeout! I hear the lines are long at lunchtime. That’s always a good sign.
The tacos come 2 per order and you’ve got 13 different types to choose from. Yes, 13! Forget chicken or beef (although they have that too) try the carnitas de pato. A crispy duck taco with Serrano salsa ($8) or pulpo tacos, charred octopus tacos with a sweet and savory salsa veracruzana and pickled jalapenos ($9). For you vegetarians there’s the hongos tacos ($7). These tasty treats are made from huitlacoche, a fungus which grows on corn and is harvested. It’s considered a delicacy in Mexico. Think of it as a Mexican truffle. It was good but you know what’s even better? The custom-made burrito bowls! ($11) I had the alambre, seared Angus steak with bacon (bacon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) and toasted cheese crips over cilantro rice (it’s green and absolutely deee-lish) beans, pico de gallo and queso blanco. I let Ethan (19 year old nephew) taste mine and never got it back. Big mistake on my part. Here’s what I didn’t share with him, my special Coyo margarita. They call it a paleta-rita cuz it comes complete with a traditional Mexican paleta (popsicle) dipped inside. Sorry Ethan, not sharing. Come back when you’re 21!
Belkys Best Bite: Burrito Bowl
Coyo Taco
2300 NW 2nd Ave.
Miami, FL 33127
(305)573-8228
http://www.coyotaco.com/