Category Archives: Latin

PARADISO 37 @ DISNEY’S PLEASURE ISLAND… “A Pre-Celebratory Drink Turns Into a Full Dinner!”

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My husband and I had to meet an associate of his for a celebratory drink. They had just closed a fairly large deal during one of the many meetings they had attended in Orlando together. We decided to keep it to a minimum since we were having a formal celebration the next evening, so after a few drinks together with the others, my husband and I decided we would just nibble a little while there. We all met at Paradiso 37-Taste of the Americas, a Latin American waterfront restaurant inside Downtown Disney’s Pleasure Island.

It was after dark by the time my husband and I caught up with his associate and his wife and children. They had the right idea…have meetings in Orlando….have the family enjoy themselves in the parks and other offerings Mickey has to offer while you’re in said meetings all day. Smart. Being in an off-resort hotel a few minutes away, this excursion was a refreshing venture and even brought the kid out in both of us a little.

Our waiter told us that Paradiso 37 got its name from the one-of-a-kind tequila tower bar above, which encases 37 different varieties of tequila. From our outside table, the view of the tower bar was intriguing and colorful to admire. Not a huge lover of tequila, I do find myself indulging once in a while in a great margarita…

Signature Paradiso 37 Margarita

The above libation was not only vibrant in color, but also as amazing a margarita I had ever remembered experiencing in my life. Our server convinced me that this Signature Paradiso 37 Margarita with a pear nectar enhancement would be a definite winner. I concurred and was delighted by the result placed before me. In fact, I had two of these stunning libations!

Hmmm…what to have…what to have. My husband and I just wanted a little something to nibble on since we were enjoying Paradiso 37′s margaritas and we wound up being very bad. We ordered fried food! But delicious it was indeed. Below, the Caribbean Crab & Fish Fritters…

Caribbean Crab and Fish Fritters

Loving the presentation of this succulent treat, we also appreciated the tender combination of crab meat, shrimp, fish, peppers and cilantro inside the crunchy fried-to-perfection exterior of each one of these delectable morsels. Served with a chilled coconut-lime dipping sauce ($8.99), these savory and scrumptious bites were satisfying and filling at the same time.

Somehow a third margarita appeared in front of me, so my husband and I just decided to order a couple of light entrees since we had been drinking more than we planned. (It was a pre-celebratory occasion anyway, right?)

We ordered two of Paradiso 37′s signature specials recommended by our server…the Baha Fish Taco entree and the Paradiso 37 Burrito Plate…

Baha Fish Taco Entree

The above beautifully-arranged items composed the Baha Fish Taco entree. My husband ordered this dish, and devoured it happily. The sectioned dinner plate it was served on showed off the soft flour tortilla-encased taco ingredients of lightly-fried seasonal fish, roasted corn salsa, lime crema (a rich, slightly sour, lightly-thickened cream used in Mexican cooking resembling a thin sour cream), spicy slaw and a tortilla salad ($14.99).

I love a great burrito! Therefore, I chose the Paradiso 37 Burrito Plate with succulent beef in a flour tortilla joined by sauteed peppers, squash, red onions, imported cheeses, sweet chipotle BBQ sauce, then added in a generous portion was a pile of cilantro rice and black beans beside it ($14.99). I LOVED the cilantro rice. It was light, had a great taste, and the light green hue was impressive and distinct. The burrito itself was juicy, full of sensational flavor and I seemed to be in some sort of complacent heaven once I finished it.

Paradiso 37 Burrito Plate

After our ‘only drinks’ theory turned into a lovely meal with our dinner companions, the only thing left to do was drive back to our hotel and prepare for our next evening out. But Paradiso 37 was a real treat for us. Upscale Latin fare for extremely reasonable prices right on the waterfront. And we were even serenaded by a vocalist playing a guitar off to one side of the patio!

  • ESTABLISHMENT / DECOR: Colorful and intriguing use of space both indoors and outside on the expansive patio. Live entertainment and refreshing breezes are a welcoming experience when dining out of doors, while the Tower Bar, both inside and outside of the restaurant develops conversation among dining patrons.
  • FOOD / DRINK: Delicious, fresh and vibrantly-colorful presentations are appreciated at this establishment. Stunning flavorful cocktails…especially their margaritas…are prepared with care and proudly served.
  • LOCATION: Paradiso 37 is located within Downtown Disney’s Pleasure Island at 1590 East Buena Vista Drive in Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830.
  • HOURS: Sunday through Thursday from 11:30AM – 12AM, then on Friday and Saturday from 11:30AM – 1AM.
  • SERVICE / STAFF: Our server was friendly, efficient, kept us laughing and gave us reliable suggestions about what we should try on the menu.
  • PRICE / VALUE: Slightly higher than if off the Disney property, but hey, it’s Disney…there’s always a premium at the park. But we were fine with paying a little more for the service and quality food, service and atmosphere we enjoyed.
  • CORKAGE FEE: $15 per bottle.
  • PARKING: We experienced complimentary parking in the spacious lot in front of Pleasure Island, which allows easy access to the main entrance of this particular section of Disney World. Valet parking is also available for a small fee.
  • TOTAL BILL: For two entrees, four margaritas and an appetizer, our total bill came in a bit over $60 (including tax), which was fine considering what a great time we had, what terrific cuisine we enjoyed, what exceptional service we were rendered and the great location of the restaurant on the waterfront.

Paradiso 37, Taste of the Americas on Urbanspoon

Paradiso 37 Restaurant Reviews

* Menu and prices subject to change without notice.

BESO STEAKHOUSE @ CITY CENTER… “I’ll Have Another Sangria, Please!”

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UNFORTUNATELY, THIS RESTAURANT IS NOW CLOSED.

The name simply means ‘kiss’. And the experience will virtually overwhelm your senses. Tucked within City Center in Las Vegas among the magnificent Crystals Shopping Plaza, you will find Beso…a Latin-infused steakhouse owned by Desperate Housewives star, Eva Longoria. What will you discover here? Try intrigue, romance, a supreme waitstaff, cutting edge cuisine and an ambiance so enthralling that you’ll think you’ve fallen into a dream. A very good dream.

The entire restaurant is phenomenal. From the prestigious exterior of the glass wall of windows to the luminous shimmering chandeliers dangling from the ceilings inside, this finely detailed dining establishment will envelope you with its unmistakable charm, its intimate setting and it’s obvious attatchment to all things beautiful.

Above, the cozy lounge beside a trendy back-lit bar is inviting and tempts patrons with delicious and unique cocktails and standard favorites, views of the enchanting interior of the restaurant decor, and a bright pop of color outside via the red lounge chairs on the Beso patio featuring outdoor heaters that possess the appearance of larger-than-life lamps!

Below, inside Beso in the main dining room, the back-lit bar as you enter the front door, another burst of ruby color in the open kitchen, the dramatic crystal chandeliers falling in cascades from the ceiling, and one of the cozy steakhouse-style booths along the perimeter of the dining room.

Below…the best white sangria I’ve ever experienced. The Pear & Elderflower Sangria ($15) at the Vegas Beso. I’ve enjoyed this light delightful cocktail on numerous occasion over the years, and it’s still the same crisp, alluring and seductive libation as it’s always been. Made with Sauvignon Blanc, St. Germaine Elderflower Liqueur, Cointreau, Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur, White Cranberry Juice and served over ice with a garnish of fresh mint, raspberries and blackberries. In a word…breathtaking. I especially LOVE the 24 ounce Bordeaux wine glass this refresher is served in. No wonder this is Beso’s number one selling cocktail in Vegas! Each trip we take to Vegas, this is a mandatory ‘to-do’ on our list. Even if we’re just having drinks there…I HAVE to have my Pear and Elderflower Sangria! It’s just not Vegas to me if I don’t.

Below, an interesting modern and tech-savvy approach to the traditional wine and champagne menu…it’s all on an iPad! How clever is that? We also indulged in warm fresh-baked bread and chilled butter while sipping on a couple of glasses of Champagne before ordering dinner.

Every last detail was pondered and carefully brought to fruition here. Take a look at the following photos of Beso’s cocktail napkin with it’s signature kiss imprint (I love this!), the black suede dinner menu covers that feel incredible when held, and of course, the Beso logo so craftily created in a classic scripted font…

Ready for something to soothe your appetite? Well, we’ve got you covered! Here, we ordered Beso’s Iceberg Wedge Salad ($11) and an order of the Guacamole ($10). The Iceberg Wedge was chilled and crisp with bacon, tomato, and Shaft’s Blue Cheese Dressing creatively presented. On the guacamole front, this is Eva Longoria’s signature recipe and is served in an oval container with thin crunchy tortilla chips.

Iceberg Wedge Salad & Eva Longoria’s Signature Guacamole

After having the Wedge Salad and the Guacamole as our appetizers, we decided to share the Chopped Salad before receiving our entrees. This incredible chopped salad was comprised of an Iceberg-Romaine mix, carrots, celery, avocado, cucumber and tomato then was tossed in a spectacular avocado dressing and topped with crumbly cheese and tortilla strips. Trust us…you can definitely split this amply-portioned item.

Beso Chopped Salad

My husband enjoyed the Sesame Crusted Halibut ($36). Served with grilled cactus relish, spring onions and containing a mole sauce, this menu item offered a bit of heat to it. However, the succulent tender meat of the fish offered a savory flavor sensation with the cactus relish and spring onions as a whole.

Sesame Crusted Halibut

Sharing any of the sides here is definitely a good idea, as they are enormous in size. Below, we ordered the Au Gratin Potatoes, and this massive dish of cheesy goodness appeared before us…

Au Gratin Potatoes

I decided on the Pan Roasted Diver Scallops ($36). Though served with Adobo spice, this dish was not spicy in any regard. Joined by a corn-spring vegetable ragu, peppered bacon, tomato confit and a balsamic reduction, prepare yourself for being flabbergasted by this incredibly ambrosial and tasty option.

Pan Seared Diver Scallops

We’ve thoroughly enjoyed our many visits to Beso in Las Vegas. Whether there for a long, relaxing, romantic dinner, entertaining business associates or just sipping on cocktails at the bar and on the outdoor patio, we have always had an enjoyable time.

  • ESTABLISHMENT / DECOR: Enormous crystal chandeliers tumble from high ceilings above dining patrons and the cozy seductive lounge, while flickering candles and wall sconces enhance the already alluring environment. A burst of the eatery’s signature red flashes from the open preview kitchen as well as on the outside patio’s seat cushions. Prepare for enchantment, romance and a trendy upscale vibe at this fine dining establishment.
  • FOOD / DRINK: Exquisite preparation, creative selections, outstanding unique cocktails and intriguing visual display of all items offered.
  • LOCATION: Beso is located at 3720 South Las Vegas Boulevard in Las Vegas, NV 89109 in the Crystals Shopping Plaza inside the renowned City Center next door to the Aria Hotel & Casino.
  • HOURS: Beso Steakhouse in Las Vegas is open for dinner Sunday through Thursday from 5PM – 10PM, then on Fridays and Saturdays from 5PM – 11PM. Reservations are recommended.
  • SERVICE / STAFF: Camacho was our server the last time we dined at Beso. Just as his stellar service and kind demeanor was appreciated, we’ve also been happily satisfied with past service from all other servers and bar staff.
  • PRICE / VALUE: Considering the quality and proportions of what we ordered, we feel that we received a fair value.
  • CORKAGE FEE: $35 per bottle! But it’s Vegas…and it’s a steakhouse. Both of which tend to drive the corkage charges higher than normal.
  • CONTACT INFO: This restaurant is no longer in business.
  • PARKING: Valet service is available at the front of the establishment in the rounded entry drive in front of Aria Hotel & Casino, which is immediately next door to Beso.
  • TOTAL BILL: We ordered a Pear & Elderflower Sangria, two glasses of Champagne, the Iceberg Wedge Salad, the Signature Guacamole, a Chopped Salad, the Sesame Crusted Halibut, a side of the Au Gratin Potatoes and the Pan Seared Diver Scallops, which brought our grand total to just over $160. Well worth the splurge, and most certainly well worth the visit!

Beso (Crystals) on Urbanspoon Beso Restaurant Reviews

* Menu and prices subject to change without notice.

BOW & TRUSS RESTAURANT & BAR… “Gourmet Latin Cuisine Bursting With Flavor & Excitement!”

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Bow & Truss is a recently-opened Spanish eatery in North Hollywood. Named after the restaurant’s bow-and-truss ceiling inside, this is Knitting Factory Entertainment’s second restaurant endeavor, with its first being The Federal Bar. (Need we say more?) Formerly an auto garage from 1930, skilled and talented planners, builders and decorators put their hearts and souls into transforming the structure that once sat on the property into Bow & Truss. Featuring Latin-influenced tapas and family-style dishes, this restaurant is certain to enhance North Hollywood’s craving for more exciting and inventive dining venues.

Upon entering through the main entrance off the sidewalk, we were greeted by an unexpected open courtyard. To our left was an area reserved for outside dining with red umbrellas shading bistro-style tables and chairs. To our right, a comfortable-looking lounge area complete with a modern cocktail bar. Both sections of the 2,000 square-foot courtyard are sandy-based and reminded us of being at a beach bar with the sand beneath our feet. We’ll have to return one evening to experience this part of Bow & Truss, as we feel it would be beautiful there on a sofa sipping cocktails under twinkling stars in the night sky overhead.

As we made our way to the hostess station, we were warmly greeted and allowed to take a look around the establishment before being seated. The 3,000 square-foot interior was quite impressive. There are large booths available for bigger parties, counter seating in front of the stainless-steel-designed kitchen, tandem seating as well as several stand-alone tables. We were seated at one of the more intimate tables for two…right beneath an enormous painting of a bull hanging on a brick wall. My husband enjoyed his view of the crowd entering through the front door, while I had a fantastic prospective of the goings-on in the open kitchen.

With the majority of our attention being split between the intricately-fashioned indoor bar and the busy bustling in the stunning preview kitchen, we had to admire the reason for the restaurant’s name. The bow-and-truss ceilings. Have you ever walked into a place and looked around at your surroundings and began to think about all of the dedication, hard work and dreams that went into it’s creation? That’s what we found ourselves doing as we sat there. It was, in fact, very inspiring to think about.

The photos above show the bow-and-truss ceiling and the open viewing kitchen where all of the culinary action happens. 

Booths are enhanced by colored pillows, while the tables themselves are decorated simply with orange candle holders, brightly-hued bread plates and striped white cloth napkins. Before we knew it, our waitress, Chelsea, arrived at our table side with menus and a tall glass vessel of iced water. We were both in the mood for iced tea that evening, so we ordered several Arnold Palmers throughout our visit (see above). Additionally, we were offered bowls of Marcona almonds tossed in salt and olive oil. These Spanish almonds are a bit sweeter and have a lighter taste with more of a round plump shape than the California version most of us are familiar with. In addition to the almonds, a container of green Spanish olives is provided. Neither my husband or myself are huge fans of olives in general. However, after each trying one, and were immediately converted into olive lovers! In fact, we finished the entire container of olives! Bow & Truss soaks these jade orbs in a secret house marinade, then serves them to anxiously-awaiting patrons. We won’t eat olives anywhere else but Bow & Truss now! They’re THAT good!

Jamon & Oyster Salad

Above, we started with the Jamon & Oyster Salad ($13). Have you ever heard of a Fanny Bay oyster? They are commonly found in the waters of Baynes Sound on the eastern side of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. That’s what arrives atop this beautiful presentation of greens. And let us tell you, if you like oysters, you’re going to LOVE the Fanny Bay variety. Having spent most of my life in the South, I’ve enjoyed my share of shellfish. But never have I had such a delectable, creamy, hearty, flavorful creation as one of these. I would bet that if you don’t eat oysters, you soon will after having them at Bow & Truss. This eye-catching salad is comprised of Fanny Bay oysters, frisee, kumquats, and an intricate micro intensity, then finished with truffle oil & yuzu foam.

Above and below, close-up photos of the Fanny Bay Oysters on the Jamon & Oyster salad. My husband and I literally just stared at these for several minutes before devouring them. Such detail and intricacy went into the presentation of these oysters.

We were sorry to hear that Chef Stefhanie Meyers left her post at The Federal Bar, but we were very excited to find out she is now at the helm at Bow & Truss! Below, Chef Meyers’ presentation of the Bow & Truss Seafood Pot. My husband and I happily shared this dish. We found it a tad bit spicy for our taste, but if you can handle some heat in your meal, we highly recommend it. With it’s charred corn, potatoes, Prince Edward Island mussels, Manila clams, Mexican Tiger shrimp and chunks of Californian local white sea bass, you’ll be returning again for another order of this bowl of seafood goodness. 

Bow & Truss Seafood Pot

Below, closer views of the Mexican Tiger shrimp, chunks of white sea bass and Prince Edward Island mussels.

Next, we ordered what seemed to be a favorite item coming out of the kitchen…the Bow & Truss Tacos. Pulled Pork Belly, Shrimp, Grilled Sea Bass, Chorizo Meatball and Mixed Pepper tacos are the types of tacos Bow & Truss specializes in. We decided upon the Shrimp Tacos with lime-soaked purple cabbage ($9). Colorful, flavorsome and downright fun to eat, these were a definite re-order item…

INSIDER’S TIP: If you can’t handle too much heat in your food, just ask your server to put the guacamole that comes with the tacos on the side, as we did. There’s a touch of heat, but it’s creamy deliciousness overpowers any spice involved!

Grilled Shrimp Tacos

…and we quickly consumed the Grilled Sea Bass tacos also with a pickled carrot slaw and avocado ($9)…

Grilled Sea Bass Tacos

Fun times in a festive atmosphere with friendly smiling staff and flavorful Spanish cuisine. That’s what you’ll receive at Bow & Truss. Next on our agenda… planning our next visit to review the outdoor cocktail lounge!

  • ESTABLISHMENT / DECOR: Colorful throw pillows on booths, enormous Spanish paintings hanging on interior walls, numerous seating options both indoors and outside, multiple locations for dining and sipping crafted cocktails…perfect!
  • FOOD / DRINK: Festive cuisine expertly prepared by renowned Chef Stefhanie Meyers, hand-crafted refreshing cocktails and a lively fun vibe pulse throughout everything at Bow & Truss!
  • LOCATION: Bow & Truss is located at 11122 Magnolia Boulevard in North Hollywood, CA 91601.
  • HOURS: Bow & Truss is open Monday through Friday from 11:30 AM until closing, on Saturday and Sundays from 10 AM until closing, and brunch is available Saturdays and Sundays from 10 AM until 3 PM.
  • SERVICE / STAFF: From the moment you enter through the main gate into the expansive courtyard, to the second you step up to the hostess station, to the instant you’re seated and welcomed by your server, you will not be disappointed. Our server, Chelsea, was informed, friendly, knew exactly what she was doing, and made a point to go out of her way to answer questions we had. Spot on!
  • PRICE / VALUE: Fairly priced for the creative culinary experience you will find at this Spanish eatery. We were satisfied with what we were presented with here.
  • CORKAGE FEE: $10 per bottle
  • PARKING: Valet service is available for Bow & Truss patrons Monday through Saturday starting at 5 PM, and on Sundays beginning at 10:30 AM.
  • TOTAL BILL: Our final bill came in a little over $65 (including tax), but was well worth the splurge. There’s a real quality in the cuisine as well as the feel of the place. If you’re a lover of Latin cuisine, we feel you’ll love dining at Bow & Truss!

Bow & Truss on Urbanspoon

Bow & Truss Restaurant Reviews

* Menu and prices subject to change without notice.