Jun 18, 20192 min read

Mekenita Cantina -Tampa

Last night I was able to attend the Tampa Bay Influencer's night at Mekenita Cantina to enjoy some Pacific Mexican Cuisine and delicious cocktails.

The restaurant is absolutely gorgeous. I loved the brick building and the gorgeous patio area. Inside has so much unique art and the bar is beautiful! The details were everything..all the way down to the bathroom sink!

Music was being played on the patio for us while we caught up with all of our friends and waited for service to begin.

We started off with some flavorful cocktails to start the night! I was able to try so many different drinks like Smoked Out! (Pasilla Chili Xicaru Mezcal Infusion, Aperol, Sweet Vermouth, Coriander, Orange Bitters), Black Lavender Martini *my favorite* (Grays Peak Vodka, Muddled Blackberries, Lime, Lavender Flower, Lemongrass, Bubbly),

Evergreen Pine Needle (Pendleton Rye Whiskey, Evergreen Pine Needle, Sichuan Peppercorns, Grapefruit, Citrus Bitters) and the Red Blush Margarita Martini (Camarena Reposado Hibiscus Infusion, Sweet Ginger, Hibiscus Sugar Rim). Such fun drinks to pair with all of the amazing food.

My first food I tried was the Puerto Escondido Seafood Ceviche

(Tiger Shrimp, Pacific Fish, Avocado, Pico de Gallo, Spicy Lime Tomato Jus). I am huge fan of ceviche and this did not disappoint! So many delish spices all rolled into one bite and I loved the presentation in the martini glass.

Next I tried the Chili Garlic Smoked Pork Enchiladas (Authentic Oaxacan Mole Negro), Ancho Grilled Angus Steak Tacos (Charred Tomato Guajillo Lime Salsa), Grilled Tender Braised Honey Chipotle Short Ribs, (Heirloom Carrots, Sautéed Snow Peas, White Hominy, Charred Tomato Guajillo Lime Salsa, Shaved Radish Jalapeño Frisee Salad) and Smoked Chicken & Black Bean Egg Rolls (Mexican Cheese, Charred Peppers, Guacamole, Chipotle Lime Crema, Pico de Gallo). My favorite was the short ribs. The meat melted in your mouth and had so many great flavors!