Cantina #1 - Bloomington

I went to check out the new Cantina #1 at the Mall of America on a recommendation from a friend of mine. Usually, I try and avoid the chain restaurants, but on this occasion I was pleasantly surprised. I was totally expecting a super-cheesy Jimmy Buffet cheeseburger in Paradise type joint serving uninspiring mall food. Luckily Cantina #1 blew my low expectations out of the water. The restaurant design will make you feel more like you are in a swank downtown Latin restaurant than the largest indoor mall in America. Don't get me wrong, you still won't forget you are in a Corona owned restaurant, but it is by no means over the top. I ate in one of the hip booths the dining room but next time would opt for a spot at the more cozy tiki bar area. With plenty of large flat-screen TVs this would be an ideal spot to have a cold Corona Extra and watch the game if you don't have Minnesota Timberwolves tickets.

Like most Mexican restaurants we were immediately brought a basket of chips and salsa. The fresh salsa was very good with plenty of cilantro. The chips themselves were a bit average but the salsa made up for it. My favorite part of the meal was the shrimp ceviche appetiser. I would come back just for this. It ended up being a huge portion of shrimp ceviche spilling out of a coconut bowl served with chips. I can't think of a better way to break up a day of shopping than an ice cold margarita and this very satisfying snack. For the main course I went with the fajita platter with a trifecta of shrimp, steak and chicken. I washed it all down with a very tasty margarita on the rocks. Next time I think I will try one of the many tropical drinks on the menu.

Corona's Cantina # 1 is located on the 4th floor on the East side of the Mall of America.

Masa

We recently checked out Masa on Nicollet Mall, downtown Minneapolis. Masa is a Mexican restaurant opened by well know Italian restaurateurs D'Amico & Partners. Masa's goal is to present authentic Mexican food in a contemporary style. The atmosphere of the restaurant is casual, hip and trendy. Jay Sparks is the Executive Chef and Saul Chavez is the Head Chef. The menu was simple and straight forward. Before we ordered we were brought chips and salsa. The chips were served with a green and red salsa. We ordered a couple excellent 'Masa Margaritas' to wash down our chips and salsa. The margaritas were served on the rocks and will definitely make us come back. The delicious green salsa was some sort of green chili with cilantro and lime. We started with the Sopes Surtidos appetizer which was a trio of corn masa boats topped with shredded chicken and chipotle crema; a spicy Mexican sausage; roasted pablano, onion and oregano. Our favorite was the shredded chicken followed by the roasted pablono. I thought the Mexican sausage could have used something to cut the heat a little. This was a large appetizer. When we come back we will surely have this again, but probably split an entree. For dinner I had the Enchilada con Pollo which was two enchiladas filled with chicken and served with Guajillo salsa, white onion, queso fresca and crema. I thought it was very good but maybe just a little bland and could have used something to spice it up a bit. My wife had the Sea Bass which we both thought was great. The fish was served over rice with dark olives and green peppers and was extremely flavorful. On the side we ordered Frijoles Borrachos which were brothy pinto beans finished with bacon, chorizo, tomatoes and jalapenos. The beans were great. With the beans we also ordered some white rice seasoned with cilantro and lime which complimented the beans perfectly. Masa does offer desert buy unfortunately, we did not leave room to try any. The service was great and the prices seemed very reasonable for the quality of the food. Masa is located on on the corner of Nicollet and 11th Street. Valet parking is available after 6:00 pm.