Big Taco Energy

After 16 successful years in Orlando’s food game, Meraki Food Group, the family-owned business behind Taverna Opa Orlando and Tapa Toro, is excited to welcome guests to Kavas Tacos + Tequila. The experience-driven Mexican restaurant at Pointe Orlando features 7,000 square feet, including four event spaces and two patios, perfect for weekend brunch.

“MEXICAN FOOD AT ITS CORE IS SIMPLE AND COMFORTING, AND THE CULTURE EXTREMELY VIBRANT

— similar to the Greeks — which is why we’re most excited to bring this new experience to International Drive,” says coowner Katerina Coumbaros. “Our team is forever on a mission to deliver the perfect balance of amazing food and entertainment. We achieve this by hiring great talent, importing the best ingredients, offering various options to meet our guests’ dietary needs, and creating high-energy environments that allow guests to let their hair down and enjoy life!”

Kavas Tacos’ menu includes Tex-Mex classics and playful takes on Mexican street fare inspired by the ambulantes (street food vendors) of Mexico City. Guests can kick off dinner with chill bar dishes like Shrimp Coctel and Ceviche, available with pescado or vegan style, and progress into antojitos like Classic Street Corn and Black Bean Empañadas. Next up, you can dip into Classic Guacamole and Queso Fundido followed by plentiful fajita options such as Surf & Turf and main plates including Mezcal Mango Salmon or Chimichangas. Coming in hot with BTE (Big Taco Energy) is a show-stopping 3-Foot Taco Board that includes a guest’s choice of 12 tacos. The menu consists of vegan and vegetarian options and sweets, including Coconut Tres Leches, Cookies + Horchata, and Flaming S’mores Taco. Dishes are available a la carte and family style.

Kavas Tacos’ bar features a wide selection of imported and local wines and spirits, including more than 150 tequilas. Specialty cocktails include: the Un Poco Coco: coconut tequila, pineapple juice and lime; Saint Kavas: habanero tequila, passion fruit puree, agave, edible shimmer and flaming lime; and Mexican Spritz Tree: a flight of four spritz cocktails, including Mexican Aperol Spritz, Watermelon Spritz, Blackberry Spritz and Spicy Rosé. Boozefree options like horchata and agua frescas are also available.

Inspired by the vibrance and colors of Mexico City, local firm Tina Marie Interior Design used authentic Mexican fabrics, alebrijes and cacti to furnish the restaurant. Multiple private dining rooms and event spaces, named after Mexicana legends like Frida Kahlo and Selena, are available for large parties and meetings. Catering for all occasions and takeout is also available. kavastacos.com

Infused Tequila

AS LEGEND HAS IT, THE MARGARITA COCKTAIL WAS FORTUITOUSLY CONCEIVED AT RANCHO LA GLORIA HOTEL IN 1938. And in keeping with that spirit, distiller Rancho la Gloria added two new selections to its agave repertoire. Pink Lemondade is made with blue agave tequila infused with refreshing flavors of lemon zest and sweet Meyer lemon with a bright citrus finish. And Jalapeño Lime blue agave tequila infused with flavors of freshly sliced jalapeño and juicy key lime with notes of zesty lime peel and ripe green pepper, add the perfect amount of heat on the finish. Both flavors — available locally at Walmart liquor stores — have earned accolades including: San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Denver International Spirits Competition, Ultimate Spirits Challenge, and Chilled 100 Spirits Awards. rancholagloria.com