Executive Chef Santiago Gomez
Just one year ago, Miami got its first-ever Mexican-style marketplace and taqueria, a place we all know and love as Tacology {701 South Miami Avenue, Brickell; 786.347.5368}. Jutting out of the fourth floor of posh Brickell City Centre, almost “floating” over shoppers passing by below, this restaurant is made up of a variety of kitchens—one for veggies, salads, juices, grab-and-go breakfast, desserts, coffee, craft cocktails, and “hot grill” food. This open-terrace “mercado” is as hip and eclectic as the food is tasty, with electric-purple lights and welcoming booths designed to make you feel like you’re in your (very cool) home away from home. It has become such a mainstay that now, just one year after it opened, we Miamians still love it more and more.
We sat down with the guy behind it all, Executive Chef Santiago Gomez, to talk about the first year and gear up for the second. Here’s what the Mexican-food guru had to say:
Your restaurant, Tacology, just celebrated one year. Was it everything you expected?
Yes! It has been one of the most successful openings I’ve ever had. We thought about success, but we never thought about what we would accomplish with all this.
What do you most remember about year one? Is there one memory that stands out from the rest?
The opening of Tacology was crazy! We thought we were only going to welcome about 60 people, but more than 300 showed up during our first lunch service. It was incredible.
What does Tacology bring to the Miami food scene that other Mexican restaurants don’t? What is the best thing to order at Tacology?
Tacology is a concept. Here, we serve real Mexican street tacos made from scratch every day. We bring ingredients straight from Mexico, like corn, but also make creative tacos; like the Shrimp Taco, which is crusted in quinoa and served with a chipotle agave sauce.
As a Chef, what’s your favorite part about what you do?
Cooking and creating!
Miami is really taking the “food hall/market” concept by storm, but Tacology was the first to bring it to Brickell. Why do you think the market concept is such a good fit in South Florida?
Florida needs these concepts; specifically those where you can find different options in one single space, like Tacology. With our mercado-style setting, we offer multiple stations, including: tacos, ceviche, desserts, juices, salads, and a bar.
Do you drink your margaritas with salt or without salt?
With salt!
What’s your favorite taco?
Carnitas, for sure. They are the best!
Reflecting on the past year, is there anything you would do differently in year two?
Not at all! My motto is: “Just keep cooking and creating.”
Is there anything new you want to try?
Not particularly, but I will be making changes to the salad and taco stations. Stay tuned for updates!
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor