It’s just a short trip away from the LBC – up the 710, left on Florence, right on Atlantic. Being a few miles away made Bell’s Corazón Y Miel the perfect mid-week getaway for the LWD’s February outing. Five of us braved the journey, in deep need of a night out on the town. Sheltered Lady and Lady Thick Leg have been bombarded at work. LML Cool J was itching to get his hump day drink on to relieve a little work stress. I was glad to enjoy a weeknight that didn’t involve cooking or volleyball practice. And Lady Bug longed to savor the evening as his last LWD outing before the birth of his first child.
That’s correct. My eating and running buddy got himself a baby. And as luck would have it, he also found a wife. He’s had quite the year. So we toasted to him, and his recent (not so) secret (anymore) marriage (at work!), and his new baby. And in toasting, we could wallow in the reality that we’re extremely blessed.
The cocktails may have helped in the wallowing. I took down two and sampled a third. If forced to choose again between the layered, blissfully unrefined sweetness of the Margarita Rosa (served in a votive) and the spicy tang of the Pelón Y Beso, I’d saw myself in two (lengthwise, of course) and order one of each for my new selves. And the two of us would do share-sies. LML Cool J let me try his Moda Antigua (Corazón’s version of an Old Fashioned), a drink that’s savory and herbacious, its rich depth still tugging on your throat even minutes after taking a sip.
And then there was food.
We warmed up our taste buds first with an order of their Diosa Verde, a succulent and hearty assembling of cauliflower and brussel sprouts tossed in Green Goddess dressing (hence the name of the dish), and the Queso Fundido (aka hot, gooey, souped-up cheese). Neither disappointed. We were cordial – no one fought over the last sprout or the final scooping of the cheese as it cooled.
Next came our entrees, and we kept things interesting with chilaquiles and salmon and braised ox tail and ribs. Not my order, but those ribs were something nice. If my fish wouldn’t have been so satisfying, I may have stolen Lady Bug’s sweet meaty dish from him (and I don’t even eat pork!…except those times when I do). After trying everything that landed at our table, I can say there is something for everyone at CyM. It was a sumptuous night indeed.
Of course, the outing would not have been complete without…presents! Even better than our food (and almost better than the drinks) was seeing how happy William’s baby gifts made him. While perhaps a bit anxious about life after baby, you could see his sheer excitement about the whole thing. I’ve no doubts he’s going to make a wonderful father (and his kid will develop the loveliest of palates).
And yes, we did wrap things up sweetly, sharing the Boca Negra cake served with vanilla ice cream. The night proved magical indeed, serving its purpose for all of us. If only we could share Corazón Y Miel with the entire world, perhaps we’d find peace and goodwill among all wo/men. Until then, it’s cheaper than therapy.
Corazón Y Miel
6626 Atlantic Avenue in Bell