When Cantina Laredo opened in south Fort Myers in mid-June, it opened the doors on a fresh approach to Mexican food in Southwest Florida. Located next to the Bell Tower Shops in the former Cookers restaurant, Cantina Laredo defines authentic gourmet Mexican cuisine.
Unlike the typical American Mexican restaurant, Cantina Laredo’s understated exterior and tastefully decorated interior signal a more sophisticated approach to Mexican dining. Inside, muted colors, soft lighting and casual but elegant furnishings set the stage for a unique culinary experience. Apparently, that’s just what Gilbert Cuellar, Sr. had in mind when he opened the first Cantina Laredo in Dallas, Texas in 1984.
Cuellar, a legendary restaurateur, recognized early on that consumer taste for Mexican food was becoming more discerning and demanding. Based on his astute observations and expertise, he developed the concept and cuisine for the original restaurant. Now, almost 20 years later, Cantina Laredo has five Dallas locations and has expanded into Florida. Although the Fort Myers location is its first in the state, the enthusiastic reception from Southwest Florida diners suggests that additional outlets will soon follow.
“My sense is that Fort Myers has a sophisticated palate, one that has been underserved for gourmet Mexican food,” said manager Freddy Magana, a Texas restaurateur who has spent the last 20 years preparing and serving authentic Mexican food . “We aim to meet that demand.”
Beyond the warm, stylish setting, there are a number of elements that distinguish Cantina Laredo from other area restaurants. First, it is obvious that the servers are professionally trained and eager to provide customers with that extra something. For example, within moments of being seated, customers receive fresh tortilla chips with two salsas. One is a cool, chunky tomato variety and the other, a roasted pepper salsa served warm.
To enhance the gourmet Mexican experience, be sure to order the fresh Guacamole, prepared right at your table. Three avocado halves yield a creamy flesh that is then blended (according to request) with cilantro, onions, tomatoes, seasonings and chopped jalapenos. The result is so complex and fabulously flavorful you’ll be tempted to make a meal of it. Don’t do it or you’ll miss out on the best Mexican food north of the border.
Designed to provide a Mexico City-style dining experience, the menu features a variety of dishes, both the familiar and the somewhat unusual. Besides the guacamole, one of the most popular appetizers is the Tacos al Pastor (corn tortillas filled with slow-roasted, cascabel marinated pork). Additional appetizers include soups, salads and nachos, among others.
While most diners will recognize entrees such as fajitas and quesadillas, there is a full explanation in English for novice Mexican gourmands. However, Cantina Laredo is one place where it’s better not to play it safe, since the more exotic-sounding selections are among the restaurant’s best.
Adventuresome palates will definitely appreciate the Enchiladas de Mole (chicken enchiladas with a sauce of sweet and spicy Mexican peppers) and the Camaron Poblano Asada (sautèed shrimp, mushrooms, onions and monterey jack cheese inside a grilled poblano pepper wrapped in a carne asada steak, topped with chimichurri sauce).
The menu also features grilled chicken, shrimp, ribs and steaks, as well as daily fish specials. Signature sauces such as chipolte wine with Portobello mushrooms, or sautèed artichoke hearts and roasted red bell peppers, complement many selections. Although most items are available
at lunch and dinner, a trio of Combinaciones (a choice of enchilada and/or taco, served with rice and beans) is served only at lunch, prior to 4 p.m.
Fortunately, Cantina Laredo’s many desserts are always available. All are made in-house, including the Mexican Apple Pie in brandy butter. Prepared tableside, the presentation begins with a hot plate sizzling with brandy butter poured by the server. Onto it goes a large wedge of apple pie, topped with a scoop of cinnamon ice cream. It’s been a huge hit with customers, as have the Flan and apple-filled Crepes.
Another notable feature is Cantina Laredo’s expansive bar, stocked with more than 50 brands of tequila displayed on mirrored shelves. La Primera Margarita is one of the more popular top-shelf concoctions prepared with fresh-squeezed citrus juices and shaken. Drink specials are offered daily during Happy Hour, from 4 - 7 p.m.
Also, Cantina Laredo has a private dining room for larger groups. Parties may either order from the full menu or enjoy specific items selected especially for an event.
(Cantina Laredo is open daily at 5200 Big Pine Way in Fort Myers. Hours are from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday - Thursday, and 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Phone: 239-415-4424)