When Mario Bernal decided to open his first restaurant, he did not go looking for a flashy high-rise or a local strip mall. Instead, he found a house. Casa MX, which opened on January 24 at 2345 SW 37th Ave., occupies a former Coral Gables residence that has been converted into a 150-seat spot inspired by Mexico City.
Executive chef Kevin Acosta has put together a menu that explores the diverse influences on cuisine in Mexico’s capital city, from its indigenous roots to global flavors. The kitchen splits the menu between small plates and large-format entrees.
A Menu Inspired by Mexico City
To start, the menu begins with duck confit flautas and queso fundido made with mezcal and rajas. The raw section includes options like ceviches and aguachile de pulpo with cilantro and jalapeño, as well as scallop tostadas served with salsa cruda. A variety of tacos, ranging from confit pork shoulder to beef tongue, are served on house-made tortillas.
For larger plates, the kitchen serves a pollo arabe kebab — a Mexican shawarma marinated chicken dish that’s a nod to the Middle Eastern influences found in Mexico City — served with bean hummus and Mexican tzatziki. Other options include costilla y chayote, featuring beef ribs with a guajillo beer glaze, and a whole pescado a la talla…