As you may tell, anything avocado driven is my livelihood. When it comes to Mexican, I can never get enough and would gladly love to spend a weekend (nay, week) in Mexico sampling some authentic cuisine.

In the meantime, Miguel’s Cocina & Cantina in Silo Point will fit the bill just fine! 

Resting on the bottom floor of Silo Point with a killer water view and glimpse of the Natty Boh tower just across from it, Miguel’s is a slice of Mexican as close as Baltimore can get in my opinion!

As soon as you walk in, the Dia de los Muertes theme is bright, colorful, and skeletons are scattered throughout (including the painted windows high above the bar) and chips and salsa are served promptly.

The chips are warm and clearly freshly baked-a great touch for a basket that’s served complimentary! The salsa verde and salsa both have a slight kick to them but nothing too overpowering for the average taste buds. It’s hard not to finish the entire basket without remembering the large portions that are offered here!

Of course, no good chips and dip are complete with the margarita to go with. And this is where Miguel’s excels.

Their bar menu is extensive and hosts a litany of tequilas, margaritas, fruity drinks, beers, drafts, and even wines! However, I prefer to stick to one of my favorite cocktails-the margarita.

I opted for their margarita de casa-which is gold tequila, trip sec and Miguel’s secret mix. Refreshing,frothy, icy cold, brimming with salt, and the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, this marg could easily be finished…or maybe two. I’m looking forward to going back and being adventurous with their flavored concoctions!

Another Mexican staple to order in my opinion is guacamole. There are only a million renditions and preferences but Miguel’s has a rich, creamy, and undeniably fresh recipe to be tried.

As if I needed more chips, the guac comes with more freshly baked, warm tortilla chips. You actually have the option to add tomato and garlic to their guac (and for me, the more garlic the better) so it was an easy answer to load that bad boy up! You can really see the bright green avocado and fresh specks of chopped tomatoes in the mojete. Yum!

One of the things I love about Miguel’s is their portions. Prices are extremely decent for what you get, as in tomorrow night’s dinner! 

I was torn between their fresh specials of the day and some of their taco options. However, I wound up going with one of my favorites: Baja Fish Tacos.

Two tacos chock full of griddle seared tilapia (which you can really taste the griddle touch), pickled cabbage, tomatillo salsa and their Baja sauce take over the plate. I opted for a double side of their arroz verde which tastes like an amazing risotto and served warm.

The colors on all of Miguel’s dishes are exceedingly bright and fresh and you really feel like you’re eating at a truly authentic Mexican restaurant-one of the few in the city!

Aside from the tacos, we also got one of their specials of the day. Essentially, a seafood panini that had shrimp, avocado, and some really fresh cabbage and sauce.

Yes, that’s sweet potato fries next to the panini. At a Mexican place? Why not. They were delicious, crispy, and sweet, of course!

I have come to think of Miguel’s as a hidden gem or secret in Baltimore. While most may flock to the Mexican likes in Federal Hill or Canton, I prefer this little number.

From the fun decorations and festive ambiance, to the full bar and delicious drinks, down the authentic fare and yummy food-Miguel’s has the full package with a gorgeous view and great service! With the fresh change of spring, I think margarita season has officially kicked off, making it prime time to venture to this semi-new hot spot! 

This past weekend was ArtScape in Baltimore. I could write a post simply about that incredible event with ease (my boyfriend actually had a piece of art featured in GameScape this year)but that’s not why you’re reading this blog. It’s amazing, huge, creative, funky, and truly an all day event. After walking around for almost (possibly over) 4 hours on a 90-some degree day, my boyfriend and I were both starving, had feet that became barking dogs, possibly dehydrated, and ready for a relaxing meal after a long day. 

Dreaming of cozy seats, unwinding with cold drinks, and eating a light, summertime dinner we immediately agreed upon Teavolve in Harbor East. A true gem for both brunch and happy hour (but sh! I like to keep it on the dl so don’t tell)! 

A neighborhood cafe tucked on the corner of Harbor East (near PAZO), it’s warm, inviting, laid-back with the most amazingly fresh food options and ice cold teas, sangrias, cocktails.

While most spots in the area are completely packed and bumping, Teavolve offers an alternative to grab a seat on a couch, break open the laptop, listen to smooth sounds of live music, and indulge in rich, buttery croissants and crepes or quick bites of salads and paninis.

The happy hour menu called my name. Featuring all cocktails half price from 4-7 as well as an extensive list of bites that run merely $5, you can’t go wrong.

I opted for the mango margarita while my boyfriend went for his staple he always gets-their acai blueberry smoothie (they have killer smoothies too!)

My drink could not have been any fresher-with bits of mango in it and the right mixture of tequila and liquor it was the best summer cocktail I could have asked for! The smoothie goes down too easily being not too sweet but just right. How much do these two drinks scream summer?! Next time, I’ll venture to try one of their tea infused sangrias!

For dinner, I opted for their ‘adult grilled cheese’ panini paired with Sun Chips. A cheese lover, it was beyond all that is good. Featuring feta, goat cheese, mozzarella and EVOO on a hot panini, I allowed myself half. Not too heavy, not at all greasy, but extremely creamy and sweet! I’ll be looking forward to that other half in the form of leftovers! 

My date went for a lighter option after that heatstroke sorta day with their chef salad-they manage to take a staple and turn it into a beautiful summertime salad creation! 

Another sandwich Teavolve excels at is their croissant sandwiches! Flaky, croissants filled with cold salads paired with side salads make for a delicious option! Their chicken salad is my weakness. Filled with cranberries (in my opinion, all chicken salads demand fruit!), almonds, and lettuce, it’s almost impossible for me not to finish it all! 

Another great staple sandwich they add their signature flare to? Turkey! Fresh turkey accompanied with red peppers, caramelizing onions, goat cheese and a dijon mayo create a sandwich that is both filling and fancy! 

Saturday or Sunday brunch is a must. French toast with strawberries, red velvet pancakes, or salmon omelettes, their menu is one to read. 

I can already see this spot being a go-to for girls’ catch up lunches, showers for dear friends, or low-key date nights. Comfy chairs, relaxing sounds of Ingrid Michaelson playing, to kill for (and great priced) happy hour cocktails, and light and fresh bites (they also have a pretty tempting bakery case) make TeaVolve a new favorite for me!

Tea fiends, take note and head get yourself here pronto! Grab a book or a friend and spend a few hours taking in the relaxing environment of Teavolve this summer!