Jaguar Ceviche Spoon Bar & Latam Grill

Reviews

Name: Manuela Menendez

Occupation: Psychologist

Lives in: Miami

Restaurant Pick: Jaguar Ceviche Spoon Bar & Latam Grill

Reviewed Jaguar Ceviche Spoon Bar & Latam Grill: 02/10/11 at 8:00 p.m.

There is a $5 parking lot literally next door to the restaurant. We parked there and on a busy Thursday night, it was great to be so close to the restaurant and not have to look for parking. There was a bit of a line to be seated but it went fast and we only waited 5 minutes and were seated. The restaurant itself is large space with very high ceilings which leaves for a noisy dining experience when it is filled. I think the energy is great on the weekend for a louder crowd but if you want a place that you could have a good conversation with your guest this would not be it. It also has a large bar area which seemed great for people who just want to come in and have a snack and some drinks. What I didn’t like about this was that it has 2 flat screen TV’s which were more sports bar like and really did not match the décor. As a diner, I don’t want my restaurant to have huge TV’s unless it says “sports bar”. I had the ceviche sampler which had 6 different types of ceviches. They consisted of grouper, squid and shrimp with different preparations and sauces. They were very tasty though I wish they would have been colder. I had a beer michelada which is beer with ice and lime in a salted glass. Many places don’t know how to do this but the waiter knew what I wanted which was great. My main entrée were the crabcakes. You can also order this as an appetizer. They brought three crab cakes with a mayonnaise/chile sauce drizzled on the plate. It had a lot of flavor. The crab cakes were cooked perfectly. They were crunchy on the outside but moist on the inside. They were also light and not compressed together. I did not have dessert because I was too full eating off the plates of my fellow diners. The portions here are huge. They had ordered the Celia salad and a vegetarian rice which they both enjoyed greatly. My only problem with the food is that everything that we ordered had some kind of spice on it and one of the people we were dining with could not eat spicy food. The waiter did not mention spice or spice levels when we ordered the food even though one of the diners had expressed concerns about spiciness. The other problem was that we got charged $3.00 for a refill of tortilla chips which I think is ridiculous.

Name: Angel Medina

Occupation: Banker

Lives In: Miami

Restaurant Pick: Secreto Restaurant

Reviewed Jaguar Ceviche Spoon Bar & Latam Grill: 02/23/11/ at 12:00 p.m.

Conveniently located on Grand Avenue you can’t miss it, right next to the entrance to the Cocowalk parking garage. Ceviche sampler- Amazing spoonfuls of fabulous ceviches, a great way to get acquainted with the menu and then pick your favorite(s) next time. All of the fish and seafood was incredibly fresh and delicious. The flavors in the variety of ceviche sauces just popped without smothering the unique taste and textures of the fish and seafood. Best part about it, if there’s something special you like-you can just order a bunch of spoonfuls- or if you really want to indulge or share with friends. The service was quick, friendly and attentive. As you walk in, they serve you with a bottle of water (not the kind you have you pay for simply a nice Jaguar Coconut Grove water, and a basket of blue corn tortilla chips, nachos and fried plantains. The basket is served together with a delicious salsa that has just enough kick to excite your palate but not so overwhelming that you can’t eat it). The food was fantastic. The fish, seafood and chicken were very fresh and there was such a smorgasbord of flavors that every bite was a fresh new experience. This is definitely a place I would go back to and recommend. It’s a place where you can go after a trip to the beach, a good bike ride, or a nice workout and have a light refreshing lunch. It’s also a place where you can go with a group of friends and really have a great time. Great atmosphere, great music, full bar and yes, plenty of great food to share. Finally, it’s also a place where you can go after a show or a movie and enjoy a romantic evening with you spouse or significant other.

Name: Scot Marken

Occupation: Nonprofit CEO

Lives In: Miami Shores

Restaurant Pick: Buena Vista Bistro

Reviewed Jaguar Ceviche Spoon Bar & Latam Grill: 02/17/11/ at 7:00 p.m.

Driving in and out of Coconut Grove can be very crowded and frenetic, but once you get settled there, it is a lot fun. My experiences at Jaguar (since I have been there several times) mirrors this. The food is fresh, interesting and (always consistently) good. Portions are large so I am able to share/taste several dishes -- kind of mini-culinary tour of Latin American food. It makes for an enjoyable, lively night with friends/family, but I would not go if you are seeking deep conversation. The service is spotty and there are a few other shortcomings, but the food is enjoyable so I will continue to go back (and so would all of my friends who had never been there before).

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