South Beach offers a unique variety
of spicy nibbles at small ethnic eateries and grand
hotel lounges but none as unique as Lucy's Cantina
Royale - the brand new poolside eatery at the recently
refurbished
Shelborne Hotel. Deceptively simple, the
bright yellow cafe packs a mighty wallop for hungry
swimmers and thirsty sun worshippers who gather at the
patio service bar for authentic Baja-style tacos,
bracing tequila-charged cocktails or a quick crunchy
bite of guacamole and chips.
Bucking tradition in the fast-casual market, John Meadow
first opened a surf-style taco bar in the heart of New
York City at Manhattan's 1 Penn Plaza to lure stressed
commuters into a world of tiki huts and take-out. His
striking success - particularly at happy hour - inspired
this South Beach venture where bar food with a Mexican
twist seems far more appropriate for barefoot,
bikini-clad, hungry travelers. Take heed of grandma's
warning to wait a half hour before swimming after
downing one of Lucy's Mango Margaritas or Passion Fruit
Mojitos and definitely watch out for the Patron
tequila-charged Paloma!
Snacks of chili-spiced chicken wings and grilled corn on
the cob smothered in cotija cheese start the meal with
authentic street food flavors. Tacos are made to order
with a choice of aji pork, grilled skirt steak or
chicken, but to capture the flavors of the California
coast, go for the fish wrapped in a soft corn tortilla
napped with creamy avocado spiked with scallions and
lime cream. For larger appetites, Lucy's crafts chubby
burritos of pork, steak or chicken and sandwiches served
on chewy focaccia bread including a house signature
guacamole burger, a grilled chicken breast and a
gut-busting club stuffed with turkey, ham, roast beef
and onion. It doesn't matter if you arrive by boat, bike
or surfboard, Lucy's Cantina Royale is the perfect oasis
for quick seaside eats.
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