Restaurants
Jacinta Crafts Mexico’s Heritage Into Every Tortilla
As World Cup Fever Sweeps Miami, Jacinta Brings Mexico’s Culinary Soul to Every Table.
June 11th, 2026
The countdown to the FIFA World Cup has already begun, and inside Jacinta de Mexico at Aventura Mall, you can almost hear the celebrations before the opening whistle.
Televisions are mounted, tables are waiting to fill, and when Mexico takes the pitch, mariachi music will echo through the restaurant between halves as hundreds of supporters gather to cheer on El Tri. For many, it will be more than watching soccer. It will be a chance to reconnect with home.
“If you’re Mexican and you’re away from Mexico,” explained CEO Lalo Durazo, “when you hear a mariachi or you’re involved in a soccer game, time stops. Your whole country comes to you.”

CEO Lalo Durazo
That philosophy extends far beyond World Cup festivities. It lives in every tortilla, every salsa, every taco and every painstaking detail that reaches the table.
South Florida certainly isn’t lacking Mexican restaurants. New concepts continue opening throughout Miami, each promising authenticity and elevated flavors. Jacinta doesn’t simply claim authenticity. It quietly proves it.
Before tasting a single bite, Durazo invited us behind the scenes into what may be one of the most fascinating kitchens in South Florida.
The journey begins thousands of miles away.
Every month, pallets of heirloom corn arrive after traveling from carefully selected farming communities throughout Mexico. These are not commodity crops or genetically modified varieties. They’re native heirloom corns still cultivated by families who have preserved centuries-old agricultural traditions.
Yellow Pixpeño corn arrives from Veracruz. Deep purple corn comes from Tlaxcala. Blue corn makes its way from Valle de Chalco near Mexico City.
Just sourcing the corn is a logistical feat.
Each evening, the kernels are cooked using the ancient process of nixtamalization, combining water with calcium oxide, or quicklime, exactly as the Aztecs did nearly 4,000 years ago.
“This process is thousands of years old,” Durazo explained. “It creates nutrients that make the tortilla incredibly healthy.”
The corn then rests overnight before being washed the following morning and ground fresh using volcanic stone mills.
Watching the massive volcanic grinder slowly transform cooked corn into silky masa is mesmerizing. It feels less like restaurant prep and more like witnessing an artisan preserving living history.
There are no shortcuts waiting around the corner.
The dough is mixed carefully by hand until reaching just the right softness before every tortilla is individually pressed. No conveyor belt. No automated rollers.

Every single tortilla receives the same attention a grandmother might give in a tiny roadside village somewhere outside Oaxaca.
The cooking process itself is equally deliberate.
Durazo pointed toward the custom-built tortilla station where each tortilla moves through three separate cooking temperatures.
The engineers who designed the equipment didn’t invent the system.
They traveled to rural Mexico and studied women making tortillas over traditional comals before replicating their technique.
If the tortilla doesn’t puff, it isn’t right.
Watching them inflate over the heat almost feels magical.
Then came perhaps the simplest dish of the afternoon.
A fresh tortilla.
Still steaming from the comal.
A slice of avocado.
A pinch of salt.
That’s it.
No elaborate fillings.
No sauces.
No distractions.
The first bite completely changed my understanding of what a tortilla could be.
Soft without being doughy. Slightly sweet. Earthy. Almost buttery despite containing no butter whatsoever. The texture practically melted while still carrying enough structure to fold naturally in your hands.
I’ve eaten thousands of tortillas in my life.
This felt like meeting one for the first time.
Durazo laughed when I admitted I’d never experienced anything like it.
“After this,” he smiled, “you’re not going to want tortillas from the supermarket anymore.”
He was right.
It’s impossible to go back.
The same philosophy carries throughout Jacinta’s menu.
The smoked beef brisket tacos brought that craftsmanship into a richer, bolder lane, with tender beef wrapped in a Mexican rub that gave each bite a slow-building warmth and earthy depth. They had the comfort of something familiar, but the flavor was layered enough to remind you this kitchen is not interested in simply filling tortillas. It wants every fold to carry a story.

Then came the Blue Fin Tuna Tostada, which may honestly be one of the best tuna starters I have ever had. The tuna was clean, buttery and beautifully fresh, but the chipotle tamarind sauce gave it a smoky, sweet and tangy spark that made the whole dish come alive. Creamy avocado softened the edges, sesame seeds added a subtle nuttiness, and crispy leeks gave it that delicate crunch that makes you chase every last bite across the plate.

Organic black beans from the American Midwest receive the same nixtamalization treatment, creating a lighter texture and easier digestion than many diners have experienced elsewhere.
Fresh salsas are roasted daily using traditional recipes.
One blended tomatillos, cilantro, onions, serrano peppers and just enough habanero to build warmth without overwhelming the palate.
Another layered roasted tomatoes with smoky chipotle peppers, creating rich, lingering flavors that complemented nearly everything they touched.
Nothing comes from a bottle.
Nothing tastes manufactured.
Nothing tries to reinvent Mexican cuisine simply for social media attention.
“We don’t pretend to be modern,” Durazo said. “We don’t pretend to be fusion. We’re Mexican.”
That statement may sound simple, but inside Jacinta it carries enormous weight.
Traditional recipes remain exactly that.
The only thing elevated is the quality of the ingredients and the care behind every preparation.
That dedication has not gone unnoticed.
Durazo recalled opening their original restaurant in Wynwood years ago when very few authentic Mexican restaurants surrounded them.
Today, countless competitors have followed.
“They come into the restaurant. They take pictures. They try to copy everything,” he said with a smile.
What cannot be copied is the obsession.
You can’t imitate years spent searching remote villages for heirloom corn.
You can’t shortcut generations of culinary tradition.
You certainly can’t fake the emotion that fills a room when homesick guests taste something that instantly transports them thousands of miles away.
As the World Cup approaches, Jacinta will undoubtedly become one of South Florida’s liveliest destinations for Mexican supporters.
Mariachi music.

Jacinta de Mexico. ©South Florida Insider
Packed dining rooms.
Goals celebrated by strangers who suddenly feel like lifelong friends.
Yet even after the final whistle blows, something more enduring remains.
Long after the televisions are turned off and the celebrations quiet down, Jacinta continues telling Mexico’s story one handmade tortilla at a time.
Sometimes the most memorable meal isn’t built around the most expensive ingredient.
Sometimes it’s built around corn, water, fire and a tradition that has survived for thousands of years.
After spending time inside Jacinta’s kitchen, it’s impossible to look at a tortilla the same way again. Oh and be sure to save room for dessert…the churros are amazing.

Jacinta de Mexico. ©South Florida Insider
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UKIYO Miami Beach Brings Luxury Conveyor Belt Sushi to Lincoln Road
UKIYO Miami Beach Is About to Make Conveyor Belt Sushi Seriously Sexy
September 2, 2026
There are new restaurant openings we want to check out, and then there are the ones that immediately make us think: I NEED TO GO.
UKIYO is definitely the latter.
Opening this October at 818 Lincoln Road in Miami Beach, the newest concept from NOAH Hospitality Group takes Japan’s iconic kaiten, or conveyor belt sushi, tradition and gives it a Miami makeover.
We’re talking premium seafood from Japan traveling through the dining room on a custom-designed conveyor belt, live culinary performances, tableside cooking, a roaming dumpling cart and a gorgeous 7,431-square-foot space designed to keep the experience moving all night.
And judging by the first renderings and menu details, UKIYO already has our attention.

UKIYO’s custom kaiten conveyor belt will serve as the centerpiece of the new Miami Beach restaurant. Courtesy of Casa Medina Design Studio/UKIYO.
Not Your Average Conveyor Belt Sushi
Inspired by the Japanese concept of ukiyo, meaning “the floating world,” the restaurant is designed around movement.
The conveyor belt isn’t simply there to deliver sushi. It’s essentially the stage.
Handcrafted nigiri, sashimi and specialty rolls will continuously circulate through the dining room, while chefs work in view of guests and new creations make their way from the sushi counter onto the belt through choreographed presentations.
Live culinary performances will add another layer of entertainment throughout dinner.
NOAH Hospitality Group founder Philippe Kalifa says that sense of experience was intentional.
“For me, hospitality has never been about simply serving food. It’s about creating emotion.”
His goal? To create a restaurant people remember not just for what they ate, but for how the entire evening made them feel.
We’re listening.
The Menu Is Where Things Get Really Interesting
Executive Chef Nono Shigetomi will lead UKIYO’s kitchen, with premium seafood sourced from carefully selected fisheries across Japan and fish coming from Tokyo’s Toyosu and Tsukiji markets.
The signature Ukiyo Roll alone sounds like it deserves a visit: tuna, salmon, hiramasa and Hokkaido scallop topped with soy-glazed wagyu and umami crunch.
“Freshness isn’t our goal, it’s our starting point,” Shigetomi said. “Every ingredient is selected with intention because great sushi begins long before the fish reaches the plate.”
Beyond the conveyor belt, the menu ventures into robata, tempura, crudo, carpaccio and Japanese comfort dishes.
Expect cumin-soy glazed wagyu and yakitori-glazed chicken from the robata grill, plus a rich paitan ramen loaded with braised duck, sous vide chicken, pork chashu and pork wonton.
There’s also crispy yakisoba finished with ankake sauce and seafood fried rice made with seasoned takikomi gohan rather than standard steamed white rice.
And then things get even better.
Did Someone Say Tableside Kamameshi?
UKIYO’s traditional kamameshi will be cooked fresh at the table in individual kama pots.
The rice is prepared with dashi, soy, sake, mirin, hijiki, carrot and mushroom, then finished with grilled marinated skirt steak and a Jidori egg.
But there’s another menu feature that may have already won us over.
A roaming dumpling cart. Yes, really.
A signature House Dumpling Cart will travel around the dining room carrying a rotating selection of freshly handcrafted beef, pork, chicken, shrimp and vegetarian dumplings. Guests can choose them pan-fried, steamed or deep-fried.
We have a feeling “No, thank you” is going to be extremely difficult when a cart of hot dumplings rolls up to the table.

Japanese-inspired lanterns and warm woodwork lead guests toward UKIYO’s open culinary experience. Courtesy of Casa Medina Design Studio/UKIYO.
And Just Look at This Place
The food may move, but UKIYO’s design gives you plenty of reasons to stop and look around.
Casa Medina Design Studio is behind the 7,431-square-foot restaurant, blending traditional Japanese influences with the darker, sexier energy of Miami Beach after dark.
Rosso Lepanto stone, emerald-toned leathered marble, aged brass, handcrafted millwork and warm Japanese-inspired lanterns fill the interior. A flowing water feature reinforces the restaurant’s “floating world” inspiration.
And at the center of everything sits the custom conveyor belt.
Based on the renderings, chefs will work within the heart of the restaurant as the belt winds around the dining room, placing the food preparation directly into the action rather than hiding it behind the scenes.
It looks intimate, dramatic and just theatrical enough.

UKIYO’s dramatic bar pairs sculptural stone, handcrafted millwork and softly illuminated Japanese-inspired details. Courtesy of Casa Medina Design Studio/UKIYO.
Sushi at 10. Cocktails at Midnight?
This is still Miami Beach, after all.
UKIYO isn’t positioning itself as somewhere you grab an early sushi dinner and head home.
On Friday and Saturday nights, the restaurant plans to remain open until 2 a.m.
And that gorgeous bar suddenly makes a lot more sense.
The restaurant is being designed as a meeting point between Japanese hospitality and Miami’s international, nightlife-driven personality. Traditional techniques and Japanese ingredients form the foundation, while theatrical presentations, dramatic interiors and late-night hours give the concept a distinctly Miami edge.
It’s easy to imagine coming for sushi and staying considerably longer than planned.
When Does UKIYO Miami Beach Open?
Unfortunately, not tomorrow.
UKIYO is scheduled to open in mid-October 2026 at 818 Lincoln Road in Miami Beach.
Dinner will be served from 6 p.m. to midnight Tuesday through Thursday and Sunday, with Friday and Saturday service continuing until 2 a.m. The restaurant will be closed Mondays.
And yes, SFL Insider will be getting an early look.
We’ll be heading to UKIYO ahead of its official debut to experience the restaurant firsthand, which means we’ll be back with the sushi, the cocktails, the space and, most importantly, a full investigation into this roaming dumpling cart.
For now, UKIYO has officially made our list of Miami restaurant openings we cannot wait to try this fall.
October, hurry up!
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Maple & Ash’s Miami Spice Menu Is Pure Luxury Without the Splurge
Some restaurants are where you go for dinner. Maple & Ash is where you go when you want to celebrate absolutely anything.
July 31, 2026
When most people think of Miami Spice, they think about trying somewhere new.
I think about finally booking the restaurants I’ve been saving for a special occasion.
That’s exactly how I felt walking into Maple & Ash for a preview of its 2026 Miami Spice menu. Known for its premium steaks, dramatic presentations, exceptional seafood, and lively atmosphere, Maple & Ash has quickly become one of Miami Worldcenter’s premier dining destinations. After spending the evening there, I can confidently say this is one reservation worth making early.
From the moment I walked through the doors, the energy was unmistakable. Music filled the dining room, beautifully crafted cocktails made their way through the restaurant, and every table seemed to be celebrating something. Maple & Ash manages to feel sophisticated without ever feeling stuffy. It’s glamorous, energetic, and unapologetically indulgent, exactly what you hope for from a modern steakhouse.
An Opening Course Worth Celebrating
The evening began with Maple & Ash’s optional Fire Roasted Seafood Tower, and if first impressions matter, this one makes quite an entrance.
Loaded with king crab, oysters, prawns, and clams finished with garlic butter and chili oil, it immediately transformed dinner into an event. It’s designed for sharing, making it the perfect way to start the evening if you’re celebrating with friends or family.
Choosing a starter wasn’t easy.
The Bluefin Tuna Tartare immediately caught my attention, pairing fresh tuna with watermelon, white soy, and crème fraîche. Every bite was bright, delicate, and incredibly refreshing.
The Lobster Bisque was equally memorable. Rich, silky, and finished with a buttery brioche crouton, it struck that perfect balance between comforting and elegant. Meanwhile, the Tableside Sesame Caesar Salad and the restaurant’s famous Dry Aged Meatballs looked just as tempting as they passed by our table.
Steak, Seafood, and Pasta That Steal the Show
If the appetizers make choosing difficult, the entrées make it nearly impossible.
Steak lovers can choose between an 8 ounce Filet Mignon or a beautifully marbled 12 ounce New York Strip, both served with black truffle pomme purée. Seafood fans will appreciate the Mediterranean Branzino, prepared with preserved lemon, Castelvetrano olives, capers, and smoked tomato for a light yet flavorful entrée.
One of my personal favorites, however, was the Lobster Mafaldine.
Featuring generous pieces of Maine lobster tossed with saffron, basil, and Aleppo pepper, the pasta was rich without feeling heavy and showcased exactly why Maple & Ash has earned such a devoted following.
For guests looking to indulge even further, there’s also the option to upgrade to an A5 Miyazaki Wagyu Ribeye, one of the most luxurious cuts of beef available.

Save Room for Dessert
Just when I thought I couldn’t possibly eat another bite, dessert arrived.
The rich Chocolate Cake, refreshing Strawberry Tres Leches, and creamy Coconut Cream Pie all make a convincing argument for ignoring the fact that you’re already full.
If you’re dining with a group, though, the real showstopper is the optional Sundae Tower. Served with chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry ice creams alongside an assortment of toppings, it’s a playful ending that perfectly matches Maple & Ash’s celebratory atmosphere.

More Than Dinner at Miami Worldcenter
One of my favorite parts of the evening wasn’t just dinner. It was the location.
Situated in the heart of Miami Worldcenter, Maple & Ash is surrounded by one of downtown Miami’s fastest growing entertainment districts. Beautiful pedestrian streets connect restaurants, bars, cafés, shopping, and public gathering spaces, creating an atmosphere that encourages you to make an entire evening of your visit.
Whether you’re heading to a Miami Heat game or concert at nearby Kaseya Center, meeting friends for cocktails, or simply exploring one of Miami’s newest neighborhoods, Maple & Ash is perfectly positioned to be the centerpiece of your night.
With convenient parking, a walkable layout, and an ever expanding collection of dining destinations, Miami Worldcenter has quickly become one of my favorite places to spend an evening in downtown Miami.
Why Maple & Ash Should Be on Your Miami Spice List
One of the things I love most about Miami Spice is that it gives diners the opportunity to experience some of Miami’s best restaurants at an incredible value.
Maple & Ash delivers exactly that.
Between premium steaks, fresh seafood, luxurious pastas, exceptional service, and an atmosphere that’s equal parts elegant and energetic, it offers one of the most memorable dining experiences I’ve had this season. It’s the kind of restaurant where every course feels like an occasion, and where you’ll probably find yourself planning your next visit before you’ve even finished dessert.
If you’ve been looking for an excuse to experience one of Miami’s most talked about steakhouses, consider this your sign.

Plan Your Visit
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to an unforgettable dinner, Maple & Ash is one of the standout Miami Spice experiences this season. From premium steaks and fresh seafood to decadent desserts and an atmosphere that’s as lively as the cuisine, it’s the kind of restaurant you’ll want to return to long after Miami Spice ends.
Located in the heart of Miami Worldcenter, Maple & Ash is just steps from Kaseya Center, making it an excellent choice before a concert, Miami Heat game, or an evening exploring downtown’s newest dining and entertainment district.
To view the complete Miami Spice menu, make a reservation, or learn more, visit https://www.mapleandash.com/miami.
Follow @mapleandash_miami on Instagram for signature dishes, seasonal specials, and a behind the scenes look at one of Miami’s most talked about steakhouses: https://www.instagram.com/mapleandash/
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