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3 3 to TRY Tableside GUACAMOLE While there are countless eateries offering guacamole, we focused on finding the few locally that are serving this dish in the most fun way possible—TABLESIDE! By Kristie Gutierrez 1 2 Like everything else in St. Pete, this Nueva Cantina 1625 4th St S, St. Petersburg place has it going ON. From the funky décor to the hip staff to the optional gluten-free tortillas, prepare to have your expectations exceeded the moment you walk in the door. The menu is expansive and offers patrons choices beyond what they've come to expect from Mexican-style restaurants. When you visit, the tableside guacamole is a must try. The Hass avocados are sourced from several local produce companies to ensure they are the best of the best and the tray comes decked out with fresh tomatoes, onions, garlic, jalapeño peppers, limes, and cilantro. Feeling adventurous? You can also add pumpkin seed or bacon for an additional cost. Once you’ve customized your perfect guacamole, the ingredients are carefully mixed using a molcajete, a traditional tool made out of volcanic rock that’s essentially the Mexican version of the mortar and pestle. Even the chips have a unique twist and you’ll have no trouble devouring the lot. Nueva Cantina opens daily at 11am. O Cocina & Flights 4110 Henderson Blvd, Tampa Located on an unassuming stretch of Henderson Blvd in Palma Ceia West, you’ll find O Cocina— an upscale Mexican restaurant that is big on flavor and easy on the eyes (seriously, if your Instagram feed does not have at least one shot of the succulent wall behind the bar, you’re missing out). Come early and grab one of their unique cocktails and begin your meal with the coveted tableside guacamole. There is no secret ingredient, though the optional addition of crab & chipotles sure doesn’t hurt! Owner Bear Galavis says it best, “Our guacamole is made tableside because it’s another opportunity for us to deliver superior service and interact with our patrons. It also lends itself to being made exactly how the customer wants— add jalapeño, no onion, etc. We use the freshest ingredients we can get a hold of and let those ingredients speak for themselves. Our recipe is simple.” O Cocina is located at 4110 Henderson Blvd and is open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday (with an early open at noon on Saturdays) as well as Sunday brunch from 10am–2pm. Besito Mexican 205 Westshore Plaza, Tampa Food options at the mall usually consist of boring buffet-style food courts, but at Westshore Plaza there is at least one notable exception. Come for the shopping and stay for dinner at Besito Mexican Restaurant. This place is best known for their excellent service, tasty margaritas, and of course their tableside guacamole. Besito truly has an outstanding wait staff— rumor has it the right server may even get your kids involved in the tableside process! Diners have the freedom to make it mild, medium or hot and to adjust any of the ingredients they choose. Besito is located in the southeast corner of Westshore Plaza and opens daily at 11:30am. Don’t miss their Happy Hour M-F from 4-6:30pm! Do you have a suggestion for a future 3 to Try? Email us at editorial@localsdish.com. BESITO MEXICAN RESTAURANT PHOTO COURTESY OF BESITO. O COCINA & FLIGHTS PHOTO COURTESY OF O COCINA 10 localsDISH MARCH/APRIL 2017


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