This is one of those "special" reviews because it is something that as a tourist, you will get a taste of how real NATIVES eat and live. Located in anything BUT a tourist area, the restaurant is a small venue smack in the heart of an urban-industrial area, the kind of place real people with the jobs that care for you in the hotels live.
The dream project of the owner Juan Carlos, he valently started off his project slammed by Covid. A Sommalier in his own right and dead-on wine enthusiast, this small "hole-in-the-wall" family owned adventure is anything but the "garage size" dining hall with a tiny and full service bar. It is a flexible little area BIG on wines and flavor. Portions are generous, and carrying flavor that will linger for days. The menu isn't large, as large as their portions, and everything is built to pair beautifully with any of the selections in the restaurant.
Can't make up your mind? Ask the chef, and he will make you something off menu. Can't pick a wine or pair it? Leave it to Juan Carlos who cares for each and every one of his diners like family. And his nieces will pamper you and spoil you like a baby in a craddle.
We were celebrating Cupeyville high school graduation and there were a memorable size group of us given the space. No problem, they wiggled and jiggled us in. And then the festivities started with all things fried - croquetas, empanadas... the works. Octopus tapa. Chicharrones de pollo - MONEY CHICKEN PIECES! PERFECTION! We ordered entrees to share because... yes, the portions are gargantuan. And while the chef makes a MEAN churrasco and chimichurri and perfect plantains, the prize went to two SPECTACULAR DISHES: A seafood stew in a magnificent safron curry broth and gnocchi. Fluffy, pillowy and make-your-knees-weak sweet potato gnocchis with shrimp.
Bottles of Moet and Chandon at a ridiculous $50 a bottle special that night were flowing like an open tap. Ridiculously well priced, unbelievably succulent food, located in what many people would deem a "slumy" area. Don't knock my people and my original home. This is how people live happily and are proud to serve their community. Come to Vino Mio as a visitor, leave as family! read more