Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/65124
Lalo Durazo O Managing Partner, Jaguar Hospitality Group, Miami story and photos by Kelly Merritt ver the past few decades, Florida cocktails and cuisine have developed their genre of flavors, largely due to the expansion of restaurant groups into a variety of locales. And nowhere else does Latin-American style pair so well with the region's eccen- tric energy than in in colorful South Florida. Lalo Durazo operates three restaurant concepts in South Florida. They include Jaguar Ceviche Spoon Bar and Latam Grill in Coconut Grove, where guests charm to Latin American specialties— ceviche being the star of the show—served by the spoon, of course. In nearby Coral Gables, the authentic Talavera Cocina Mexicana conjures Mexico City, appointed in original Talavera pottery and art by Dionisio Ceballos. The passage of time is the name of the game at Peacock Garden Café, which is located on some of Miami's most exalted historic grounds. Each place has its own following, something that Durazo knows well. His approach in a new project is to learn the lifestyle of the people he'll be serving. "Once I know their tastes and preferences, I generate ideas as to what kind of concept will fit well within that particular community—after all, restaurants are an extension of the dining rooms of the people who live in a particular area," he says. "Each has a story to tell." That approach must be working. Fodor's, Zagat and Miami New Times herald Durazo's restaurants as wor- thy visits. Just last year, in a partnership with the City of Miami to restore the oldest marked grave in Miami–Dade County, which is located on-site, Peacock Garden Café was named a Cultural Icon by Mayor Tomas Regalado. "All of the design and décor aims to be a tribute to the history of our neighborhood," says Durazo. Celebrities frequent Durazo's properties, from crooner Enrique Iglesias to politicians to actors such as Colin Farrell and Michelle Pfeiffer. Alex Rodriguez, Shaquille O'Neal and the cast of Burn Notice, filming in Miami, have also become customers. Cocktails are on everyone's mind at each restaurant, but Durazo has his own favorites. What does he like best? Herradura Tequila—and the reasons might surprise you. "Before coming to Miami, we had restaurants in Mexico with a concept centered on tequila, and the theme was a tequila distillery," says Durazo, who hired people from the National Anthropology Historic Association of Mexico to help with the project. "They went into researching the whole history of tequila. I went to several distilleries to see the different ways people were making tequila, and Herradura had their own land and grew their own agave." At Jaguar, Durazo favors the Passion Pisco Sour. At Peacock Garden Café, he likes the White Wine Sangria with fresh basil and apples. "At Talavera, we make a Cilantro Margarita using Herradura with triple sec, fresh-squeezed lime and a little simple syrup," he says, with appreciation for his favorite liquor. "We blend the cilantro with simple syrup for each cocktail, which gives it a whole new flavor. It must be fresh—you can't just let it sit there!" 130 / the tasting panel / may 2012 THE 1 2 3 4 5 Lalo Durazo's Top Five Faves Always being close to the kitchen. Immediate feedback. "5" Herradura Tequila, Cabernet and Malbec. The vibe in a full restaurant. Gathering with family and close friends to share a meal. Lalo Durazo's Top Five Pet Peeves Anything not made fresh. 1 2 More people need to understand the level of commitment needed to deliver quality food and service. 3 Ego—better to stay focused on developing staff and taking care of customers. 4 This is more of a standard than a pet peeve: The customer is always right, even if he is wrong. I'd rather keep a customer than win an argument. 5 Not enough time with family and to play golf. LIST supports the integrity of the Food and Beverage people in our industry. Our series continues, thanks to Funkin fresh fruit purées, a brand that Taking Inventory with. . .