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One of the dining rooms at Casa MX, a new Mexican restaurant near Coral Gables.<\/p>\n
Salar Creative<\/p>\n
If you wonder why the latest Mexican restaurant near Coral Gables feels homey, it might be because it\u2019s located in a former home.<\/p>\n
Casa MX, from hospitality veteran Mario Bernal, straddles the Gables and Miami on Southwest 37th Street. Bernal, whose career encompasses The Hotel Victor, The Setai, Rosa Mexicano and Barcelona Wine Bar, aims to pay homage to Mexican home life, where food is center stage.<\/p>\n
Bernal, who has most recently worked with the Jose Andr\u00e9s Group, said the restaurant\u2019s name, along with the decor, price point and style of service, are designed to make customers feel at home.<\/p>\n
A dining room at Casa MX, a new Mexican restaurant in Miami. Salar Creative <\/p>\n
\u201cWe really want our guests to feel at home the moment they step into the restaurant,\u201d he said. \u201cWe want everyone to feel cozy and comfortable when they come into our house.\u201d<\/p>\n
It\u2019s not a tiny house, either. There are a few different spaces throughout the 2,800-square-foot floor plan, including two dining rooms, a 12-seat bar and an outdoor patio that seats 86. The space was designed by Colombia-based architect and interior designer Manuel Lizarralde, who collaborated with Bernal on the project.<\/p>\n
An arch and some artwork at Casa MX, a new Mexican restaurant in Miami. Salar Creative <\/p>\n
Executive chef Kevin Acosta created the menu, which features small plates as well as larger entree that expand the idea of Mexican cuisine. You\u2019ll find ceviches, even an octopus aguachile as well as a whole fish. There are beef ribs with guajillo beer glaze and scallop tostadas and kebabs of Mexican shawarma-marinated chicken, served with bean hummus, cabbage and Mexican tzatziki.<\/p>\n
Margaritas are on offer, too, thanks to the cocktail menu by beverage manager Anthony Sanchez. But there are other specialty cocktails as well, including Tigers Milk with Caraveda Quebranta pisco, St. Germain and supasawa (a mixer).<\/p>\n
The bar at Casa MX in Miami. Salar Creative Casa MX<\/p>\n
Where: 2345 SW 37th Ave., Miami<\/p>\n
Hours: 4-10 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday<\/p>\n
Reservations: OpenTable<\/a><\/p>\n