La Cocina - new mexican restaurant in seacrest

**Seagrovedude** · 05-17-2009, 11:52 PM

I heard a rumor today that George and Ann Hartley, owners of both the Seagrove Market and George's, were working on a Mexican restaurant in Seacrest. I hope it is true.

**Beach Runner** · 05-18-2009, 12:08 AM

"Mexican food" are two of my middle names. George's doing Mex would be a double faint for us.

**ricklys** · 05-19-2009, 04:58 PM

Originally Posted by Seagrovedude

I heard a rumor today that George and Ann Hartley, owners of both the Seagrove Market and George's, were working on a Mexican restaurant in Seacrest. I hope it is true.

I heard this very rumor today. It's supposed to be in the old Seacrest Cafe at the Villages of South Walton next to Rosemary Beach. They hope to be open by June 1st or so. Muy Bueno, Senora Anna.

**Lake View Too** · 05-19-2009, 05:25 PM

They do Mexican really well, quite nearly as great as the legendary Luna del Mar. Sign me up for a lifetime membership.

**peaboy** · 05-19-2009, 08:25 PM

Originally Posted by Lake View Too

They do Mexican really well, quite nearly as great as the legendary Luna del Mar. Sign me up for a lifetime membership.

They were Luna del Mar... I believe. This will be great, please bring back the chili relleno

**Seasheller** · 05-19-2009, 08:31 PM

Thats wonderful news.

**ricklys** · 05-20-2009, 08:20 AM

Originally Posted by peaboy

They were Luna del Mar... I believe. This will be great, please bring back the chili relleno

Not quite. If memory serves me right, George was one of the landlords of the building that housed Luna del Mar. Neither he nor Ann had anything to do with the food. The restaurant was a sister of one in Texas - serving Tex-Mex.

**scooterbug44** · 05-20-2009, 09:42 AM

I thought they got the salsa recipe from Luna to use on their mexican nights at the village market?

**ricklys** · 05-20-2009, 01:39 PM

Originally Posted by scooterbug44

I thought they got the salsa recipe from Luna to use on their mexican nights at the village market?

**SWGB** · 05-20-2009, 06:46 PM

Originally Posted by scooterbug44

I thought they got the salsa recipe from Luna to use on their mexican nights at the village market?

That was my understanding.

**micki** · 06-03-2009, 04:49 PM

It looks like a lot of work is being done in the old Seacrest Cafe. Does anyone know if the Mexican restaurant will open this week? We're leaving for home in Ohio on Sunday morning.

**passin thru** · 06-03-2009, 04:54 PM

Originally Posted by Lake View Too

They do Mexican really well, quite nearly as great as the legendary Luna del Mar. Sign me up for a lifetime membership.

Luna del Mar hardly set a very high hurdle, IMHO.

Hartleys' Mex is very tasty, tho was always quite expensive on their Mex nights at the Seagrove Market.

**SGB** · 06-03-2009, 05:35 PM

Last I heard they are due to open in the old Seacrest Cafe location on the 18th. Ann's Mexican food - yummy!

**Teresa** · 06-03-2009, 09:24 PM

just peeked in the windows tonight, after a great dinner at Chops. the new restaurant at Seacrest Cafe' location looks pretty close to being ready! hope its really good really real family style mexican and not fancy schmancy mexican which I am not a huge fan no thank you.

**jessifunn** · 06-03-2009, 09:43 PM

i am not complaining but why do we all the sudden have an abundance of mexican food and pizza on 30A??

**shellak** · 06-04-2009, 07:58 AM

just saw a "help wanted" ad in the northwest daily for this place. does anyone know its exact location?? always excited about a new mexican restaurant! it is called "Mi Cocina Mexican Bar & Grill". address is 10343 E. county road 30a unit 116. thinking it might be where richard arriaga has his jewelry business.

**sbartoldus** · 06-04-2009, 08:20 AM

Originally Posted by shellak

just saw a "help wanted" ad in the northwest daily for this place. does anyone know its exact location?? always excited about a new mexican restaurant! it is called "Mi Cocina Mexican Bar & Grill". address is 10343 E. county road 30a unit 116. thinking it might be where richard arriaga has his jewelry business.

It is in the same center where Seacrest Cafe used to be. There is a post under employment.

**Beachbummett** · 06-04-2009, 08:20 PM

George and Ann are indeed opening this new restaurant! I can't wait, they have been traveling the country trying new recipes and it sounds like it is going to be fabulous! She stated they want to have the same fresh food they always have at George's! I think they are nuts...but can't wait!

**Beach Runner** · 06-04-2009, 10:23 PM

Thanks, BB, for the info! I'm sure that whatever they do will be great.

**JUL** · 06-04-2009, 11:44 PM

Yum! Can't wait.

**JUL** · 06-04-2009, 11:46 PM

I'm hoping for some good frozen strawberry margarhitas

**rdelong43065** · 06-05-2009, 01:00 AM

Originally Posted by jessifunn

i am not complaining but why do we all the sudden have an abundance of mexican food and pizza on 30A??

Mexican pizza!

**Beachbummett** · 06-05-2009, 06:02 AM

Originally Posted by JUL

I'm hoping for some good frozen strawberry margarhitas

Ann says the margarhitas are going to be fantastic! Hmmm, think we need to go find out!

BR, you are right, anything they do is great. Let's go find out!

**Seasheller** · 06-12-2009, 09:28 PM

Originally Posted by SGB

Last I heard they are due to open in the old Seacrest Cafe location on the 18th. Ann's Mexican food - yummy!

Any updates on the opening date?

**Miss Kitty** · 06-13-2009, 06:52 AM

Mi Cocina is the name of a local chain of very successful tex mex restaurants in Dallas. I wonder if there is any connection?

Y'all would be very happy if it is the same....either way, it will be wonderful to have some real "greasy" tex mex on sowal!

**30A Skunkape** · 06-13-2009, 06:58 AM

Originally Posted by Miss Kitty

Mi Cocina is the name of a local chain of very successful tex mex restaurants in Dallas. I wonder if there is any connection?

Y'all would be very happy if it is the same....either way, it will be wonderful to have some real "greasy" tex mex on sowal!

Amen! No more wasabi reduction on my chili rellenos, por favor!

**Miss Kitty** · 06-13-2009, 07:00 AM

Originally Posted by 30A Skunkape

Amen! No more wasabi reduction on my chili rellenos, por favor!

!Ay caramba!

Bring on the lard!

**Seasheller** · 06-13-2009, 11:08 AM

Originally Posted by Seasheller

Any updates on the opening date?

Anyone know?

**kurt** · 06-15-2009, 01:07 PM

If all goes as planned the opening will be next week.

DD · 06-15-2009, 11:54 PM

Originally Posted by Miss Kitty

Mi Cocina is the name of a local chain of very successful tex mex restaurants in Dallas. I wonder if there is any connection?

Y'all would be very happy if it is the same....either way, it will be wonderful to have some real "greasy" tex mex on sowal!

There's a Mi Cocina jsut about three miles from me.

**ciarabriana** · 06-16-2009, 07:35 PM

Top notch server! I'm just dropping in to invite everyone to come in. I am very proud and excited to be a part of the team at Mi Cocina! My name is Heather G. Ask for me as I love what I do and I hope to make your experience wonderful. I plan on working evenings and some Saturdays. We will be open Tuesday through Saturday lunch and dinner.

I have been told we start next week.Either mid week or by the weekend.
I hope you all come see me!

Ole!

**ItzKatzTime** · 06-16-2009, 07:46 PM

Here's to another success for Ann and George!

**Seasheller** · 06-16-2009, 08:49 PM

Originally Posted by ciarabriana

Top notch server! I'm just dropping in to invite everyone to come in. I am very proud and excited to be a part of the team at Mi Cocina! My name is Heather G. Ask for me as I love what I do and I hope to make your experience wonderful. I plan on working evenings and some Saturdays. We will be open Tuesday through Saturday lunch and dinner.

I have been told we start next week.Either mid week or by the weekend.
I hope you all come see me!

Ole!

Love your post! Great to hear from an enthusiastic server. Peeked in the window today. What a transition....looks like Cabos! Great colors and details. Looking forward to the opening.

**ciarabriana** · 06-16-2009, 10:17 PM

Originally Posted by Seasheller

Love your post! Great to hear from an enthusiastic server. Peeked in the window today. What a transition....looks like Cabos! Great colors and details. Looking forward to the opening.

It feels good to start at a new restaurant with owners that have such a great reputation for great food and service. I hope I do them proud!

**Teresa** · 06-16-2009, 11:44 PM

ohhhhhhhhhh, I want to see a menu! pronto!

**Franny** · 06-17-2009, 07:57 AM

Lunch or dinner, next week!

**tistheseason** · 06-18-2009, 08:00 AM

I am so excited about this! I hope they do fish/shrimp tacos and incredible Margaritas! Can't wait to find out!

**Susan Horn** · 06-18-2009, 08:33 AM

Can't wait! Our son Tennyson will be serving there; has enjoyed working for Ann and George 2-3 years now at Seagrove Market and George's. (Our other son Peter used to work at Seagrove Market too, but is now at Summer Kitchen/Blue By Night where their tuna salad salad is my favorite lunch).

**SharonVaughn** · 06-20-2009, 09:56 PM

Originally Posted by Miss Kitty

Mi Cocina is the name of a local chain of very successful tex mex restaurants in Dallas. I wonder if there is any connection?

Y'all would be very happy if it is the same....either way, it will be wonderful to have some real "greasy" tex mex on sowal!

There is no connection between this Mi Cocina in Seacrest and the one in Dallas run by the MCrowd Restaurant group... I wish there were though!

**Beachbummett** · 06-25-2009, 04:41 PM

I can't wait! Just received this email from Ann

Hola Amigos and Amigas!

On Friday, June 24th at 11am, Mi Cocina Mexican Grill and Bar will open! We are located on 30A just west of Rosemary Beach behind the dancing water fountains, in Seacrest Beach. We appreciate your patience and we look forward to seeing you soon!

I�ve attached the lunch menu to give you a sneak peek at what we�ll be offering. It�s Tex Mex with a coastal twist and all from Steve, our chef at George�s at Alys Beach� his fresh, new, adventurous approach to Mexican food. You�re going to LOVE it!!

Come see us soon and thanks for your support over the past ten years and three restaurants�crazy Hartley�s that we are!!

xo

Ann & George Hartley

Now....let me see if I can post the menus!

**dmarie** · 06-27-2009, 03:18 PM

[quote=Beachbummett;572277]Ann says the margarhitas are going to be fantastic! Hmmm, think we need to go find out

Ann was right!!!!

**Geo** · 06-28-2009, 06:10 PM

Well? How is it?
If I wasn't under the impression they are closed on Sundays I would go tonight and post a full review...
Someone who has been- pls do tell!!!

**jessifunn** · 06-28-2009, 06:55 PM

are they open tonight??

**believer** · 06-30-2009, 09:49 AM

We ate their opening night. I say this because it usually takes a rest. a few weeks to get the kinks out before everything is 100%. Two of us had the Sour Cream chicken enchiladas and I had the Carne Asada. The enchiladas had been placed under the heat lamp obviously way too long. My Carne Asada tasted very fresh and of good quality. The three meals had minimum grease unlike my local Mexican dive back home. Three house special Margaritas and water to drink. The Service was prompt and helpful. The Ambiance was like you would imagine it. The prices were soso depending on what you ordered. The food prices seemed standard for 30A prices except for a few seafood dishes that were too high in my opinion. I would like to see those "amazing margaritas" either improve in recipe or price ,either way they were not great. We did go on opening night and they exceeded my expectations for such a difficult night. I would suggest you make your own fresh ingredient top shelf margarita at home and get a driver to take you to Mi Cocina for dinner only.

May I suggest my Perfect Margarita Recipe:

wet rim of glass with key lime slice (not water)

salt rim

fill glass 3/4 with chunky ice

2 oz. (100% Agave tequila) Don Julio is my favorite Sauza is 3 times cheaper but has no taste

1 oz. Cointreau or Grand Marnier

1 oz. Damiana for a true authentic Cabo original experience

4 key limes squeeze into mix (cut top off and use lime squeezer)

serve with slice of key lime on rim with straw

*Avoid the neon green pre mix stuff unless you are frat boy on Spring Break at PCB, by the way I was, I did and had a blast

**SHELLY** · 06-30-2009, 12:08 PM

Originally Posted by believer

I would suggest you make your own fresh ingredient top shelf margarita at home and get a driver to take you to Mi Cocina for dinner only.

With that review, I'd say I'd have to get sloshed at home before I went too.

Take this review to heart and tighten it up Mi Cocina.

.

**Dia** · 07-10-2009, 11:52 AM

Any new reviews? Thinking about going this weekend.

**STL Don** · 07-13-2009, 08:52 AM

Originally Posted by closer2fine

Any new reviews? Thinking about going this weekend.

We ate there 10 days ago and had a very good meal and very good service.

**yummy** · 07-16-2009, 08:47 PM

it was WONDERFUL!!!! sour cream chicken enchiladas - yum. great refried beans and rice - more yum!! frozen margaritas - ditto. and great service from andrea. a great first trip - the beginning of a habit, i'm afraid.

**unicycle girl** · 07-19-2009, 12:16 PM

The atmosphere at Mi Cocina is great! Chips, Salsa, Guacomole, Queso were great! Good options for kids. The margaritas were very weak - could not taste the tequila and everyone at our table could have sworn that they contained no alcohol at all. They really need to work on the margaritas because I have heard the same from many other people. All the food was good except the large tostada with chicken - the chicken was way over salted!!! All that said, I will keep going back and know that the Hartleys will keep improving the food. It is a welcome addition to 30A!

**Dia** · 07-20-2009, 09:58 PM

We went over the weekend. They don't take reservations - but the wait was only about 15 minutes. We sat in the bar area (nice & open) and ordered drinks (margarita/rocks) they were a little weak. If you would like chips/salsa in the bar area you need to ask - salsa was good.

for appetizers we ordered the guacamole (very good & I'm picky about guac) and for the kids - mild queso (they loved it)

Dinner: We ordered combination fajitas (beef & chix), beef enchiladas, kids crispy beef taco & kids beef quesadilla. All were good & we had leftovers to take home.

Our waiter (Matthew? I think) was very attentive & the service was good.

Final review - we will be going back. There are a few kinks to work out (*cough* weak margaritas *cough*) but it was a good night!