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Author : Christine Annis
Tampa FL (http://www.813area.com/)
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Take All Your Worries Away | Besito MexicanRestaurant | Tampa(http://www.813area.com/restaurants/a-little-kiss-of-mexico.html)
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I thought I was in Tampa but as soon as I stepped through the doors of the
new Besito Mexican Restaurant (http://www.813area.com/tampa/westshore-
district/nightlife/besito-mexican-restaurant.htm) at Westshore Plaza
(http://www.813area.com/tampa/westshore-district/shopping/westshore-plaza.htm) I
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was instantly transported into an authentic Mexican hacienda. I have traveled
extensively in Mexico and I was immediately reminded of some of my favorite
restaurants in San Miguel De Allende, Oaxaca, and San Jose Del Cabo. Besito
celebrated their Grand Opening with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony with Mayor Bob
Buckhorn and the 813 Area Team was invited to join the festivities.
The restaurant is absolutely gorgeous. It's hard to believe it used to be the dark,
cavernous Palm Restaurant. The spirit of Mexico is alive in every bright and beautiful
area of the transformed space. From the gorgeous, lighted handcrafted masks that
adorn the walls, to the Eucalyptul Poles that line the ceilings, the beautiful Mexican
tile and wood flooring, the soft but vibrant orange color palette, the 150 candles on
the candle wall, and the stunning outdoor patio, this is an upscale but very
comfortable place where I can see myself spending a lot of time.
I was fortunate to spend some time chatting with the founder of the Besito Mexican
Restaurant group, restaurateur John J. Tunney III. He created the first Besito Mexico
Restaurant in 2006 after years of traveling in Mexico. His travels allowed him to
develop a unique understanding of the culture and flavors of Mexico and he wanted
to bring a "little kiss" (Besito in Spanish) of this authenticy to the US. Tunney opened
the first Besito in 2006 and currently there are only 5 other locations, all in the
Northeast. The Tampa location is being opened in partnership with Outback
Steakhouse founder Chris Sullivan and his son Alex.
Tunney has a passion for extraordinary food and prides himself on serving Authentic
Mexican Cuisine with a focus on fresh, house-made local ingredients. I saw this
passion immediately as my evening in Mexico began with a Besito Margarita. The
Besito Margarita contains Patron Reposado, Cointreau, pomegranate-tangerine juice
and fresh squeezed lime juice. I also tried the Cocoloma Margarita which was my
favorite. It was the perfect start to an incredible evening.
If you like tequila, you won't be disappointed at Besito. With over 70 different
tequilas and dozens of creative, craft cocktails, it's difficult to pull yourself away from
the very comfortable and inviting bar area. Stay if you want because the rolling
guacamole cart will come to you! Besito's guacamole is prepared tableside by a
specially trained server using a traditional molcajete (lava stone bowl, similar to a
mortar and pestle) with spiciness to order. It was some of the best guacamole I've
ever tasted!
My taste buds felt like they were back on the beaches of Cabo San Lucas as I dove
into the fish tacos. Lightly fried fish, pickled red onion, shredded romaine, salsa
molcajete, and a little extra kick of their homemade hot sauce, simple but super
delicious. Next up was the prettiest bowl of tortilla soup I've ever been served.
Avocado, pulled chicken, queso, chihuahua, chopped cilantro, toasted pasillachile,
crema and onion, it was almost too pretty to eat. Almost.
I was lucky to sample a host of dishes but my favorite bite of the evening was the
Pesdaco con Piplan y Atole, translation Pan Seared Mahi Mahi with a Blue Corn and
Crab Crust, Pumpkin Seed Pipian, Sweet Corn Atole, Cilantro, and Chayote Salad. I
loved the half and half presentation and the fish was cooked perfectly.
Even though I was already beyond stuffed, we finished off the evening with the
sinfully delicious Tres Leches. Magnificent!
I am thrilled with Besito's dedication to giving back, both internationally and locally.
The Besito Family works with Feed the Hungry SMA in sponsoring the building of
school kitchens in rural San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. They employ local mothers to
cook and serve 1,500 meals per week to school children, often providing their only
meal of the day. Locally, Besito supports The Pediatric Cancer Foundation and
helped raise $12,500 for the Foundation on their Grand Opening night.
Although Besito the restaurant is newly opened, the service was extremely
professional, personable, and spot on. I loved the special touches like the
complimentary bag of fresh churros delivered to our table and the traditional Worry
Doll we were given to take home to put under our pillow to "take all of our worries
away". A few hours at Besito Mexican Restaurant was enough to take all of my
worries away. I'm sure it will work for you too.
**Photo credits: Many thanks to Rick Taudeda, www.ricktauceda.com for the photo
of the Mayor's Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and the photo with John J. Tunney.
***Many thanks to Elevate, Inc. for inviting us to this awesome event! I will think
about you during all of my extra hours in the gym this week.
Besito Mexican Restaurant (http://www.813area.com/tampa/westshore-
district/nightlife/besito-mexican-restaurant.htm)
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