5 /5 Anderson Mayfield: What a terrific experience! Full disclosure: I thought this was another place when I went in, though this ended up being way better than where I thought I was going (Sabor Latino). First off, all the staff you pass on the way to your table greet you and service remained amongst the best I’ve had in Florida.
Now to the food. I live in Miami and am sort of a Latin/Caribbean food expert so when I saw a “fusion” menu with basically the “greatest hits” of Latin and Caribbean food, I figured they would make a passable version of each. I rarely like mixed-cuisine restaurants (Thai-Japanese places are big in Florida despite rice being perhaps the only shared dish!). BUT I was wrong!
Mini mofongo balls with pork belly? Best mofongo I’ve ever had. Peruvian style ceviche? As good as high-end places in Miami for three times less. Mexican style ceviche? Incredible and loaded with seafood for the price.
The star, however, was freshly made tostones covered with guacamole, pickled vegetables, and fried pork belly…..where has this dish been my whole life?!?! We also got a “bandeja paisa” which is basically half the menu on a tray. Everything was great except the beef but then again you don’t get a bandeja paisa for the beef. It’s like a bonus side dish.
I didn’t love my mango caperinha sp? But honestly I bet they have other drinks that are great.
Can’t believe one of my best Latin meals in Florida was in Ocala, and it’s actually better than many places here in Miami.
They must source their pork from somewhere either local or special because the pork belly was soooo good. No gaminess and cooked to perfection. We had it three ways in three dishes so I can vouch for it!
This will be a must-go for any Ocala trip for me.
