RIVER CITIES GAZETTE AUGUST 27, 2020 19 Big success story for three brothers

By RHONDA FERRARI CALVERT All dishes are bright and uniquely fla - Gazette Writer vorful. They are prepared with the utmost When Chef Christian set out to create a quality ingredients. A cocktail menu is family restaurant, things got interesting also available to compliment these bold quickly. Christian Encalada had a unique flavors. family dynamic. A-Taco by Divino, a new Mexican- His parents Edwardo and Mirza (origi - Peruvian Nikkei restaurant from brothers nally from Lima Perú) moved to Miami Christian and Frank Encalada, brings Springs in 1989 where their boys were authentic flavors of Mexico and homeland raised. cuisine. The brightly colored interior was Time passes…, Christian is living in created in partnership with Rudolph Peru working as a chef and Edwardo Castro a Visual Artist from Peru, who along with his two sons Frank and lives and works in Mexico. Richard were employed as aviation A-Taco by Divino invites people to mechanics for 15 years. explore the Mexican - Peruvian culture The time was right! They decided to and cuisine by creating a new dining open their first restaurant in Doral, which experience. followed a second in Coral Gables and a Former Mayor Zavier Garcia, “Besides third in Miami. That was when the boys having delicious unique flavors, at both decided to come back to the city, they Ceviches and A-Taco, I am beyond loved…Miami Springs, where their par - impressed at the way these gentlemen ents still lived and where they went to The Encalada brothers, Richard (l.), Christian and Frank, have been busy opening restaurants in tackled the pandemic issue. high school at Springs High. Miami Springs. Here they are behind the bar of their newest restaurant, A-Taco by Divino located “As soon as they realized residents “We knew that Miami Springs was a at 365 N. Royal Poinciana Blvd., the old Hurricane Bar & Grill location. Gazette Photo/BILL DALEY were having a hard time acquiring sani - tough city to open a restaurant,” said tary and food essentials, they turned their Frank. “It was proof that the concept that Gastón Acurio in “Tanta” for a season and happier to work with them. That was one restaurants into mini markets, sell every - we have works. With our franchising right then went back to Spain to improve his of the sad parts about selling the building, thing from produce to toilet paper, from now, we have sold three (Miami Beach, culinary style. After going back to Perú, not seeing him come to full circle because their own restaurant's supply, at or below Fort Myers and soon-to-open downtown). Christian and Frank began the project he had just started. I knew he would be Supermarket prices. We have a commissary kitchen. We give “Warike” in Chorrillos. Frank was giving great. I knew it. And I was right. I had a “It didn't stop there... They sold ready- all the products to our other restaurants. his support from Alabama and waiting for vision and I am glad I put him there.” to-cook meals (for a family of 4), that they Miami Springs is a good location to dis - the project in Miami to come true. Miami Springs resident Anastasia pre-packaged, then posted instructional tribute the food out. We did not want to Ceviches by Divino Yecke Gude and her husband Erik have videos via Social Media, on how to cook compete with Ceviches. That is why we been longtime fans of Ceviches by and prepare them, so the meals come out opened A-Taco by Divino. It is a new con - Ceviches by Divino is a Peruvian style Divino, which they consider one of the just like in their restaurants. cept. Mexican and Peruvian. So far, it’s Gastropub with an industrial ambiance. top ceviche places in all of Miami. Their “Their grit and tenacity remind me of doing pretty good.” The menu has been carefully prepared to favorite appetizer is the Crispy Cilantro the famous quote by Rocky Balboa, Frank continued by speaking regarding highlight the authentic flavors of their cui - Rice with Salmon; “It’s perfectly fried and Sylvester Stallone: ... ’It’s about how hard COVID-19 crisis, “We are lucky that we sine by properly presenting high level goes so well with the fresh sashimi on you can get hit and keep moving forward. have loyal customers. Miami Springs Peruvian Tapas, Rolls, Pokes as well as top.” How much you can take and keep moving Ceviches is probably the one that has suf - Ceviche’s. In addition, a broad variety of Anastasia also loves how the hot and forward .’ ” fered the least ~ because the sales are the the most popular craft beers and excep - crispy seafood complements the texture of “These guys never stopped moving for - same. What is affecting us is the rates that tional cocktails are available to pair with the cool, soft ceviche in the Ceviche de ward!” Uber and Postmates are charging. lunch or dinner. Mercado. Erik enjoys their Maracuya Anastasia commented by saying, “We “The idea was to open A-Taco by Their mission is to provide an inviting Mojitos and the Arroz Chaufa de Pollo, had heard that the Ceviches folks were Divino on May 5th. A big Mexican party. and relaxed atmosphere perfect to chill which they can tweak as necessary (he opening a Mexican-Peruvian fusion But with everything that happened, we with friends and family. Whether you are always requests his without scallions). restaurant at the old Hurricane. We knew were forced to put all our efforts into the a foodie, or just down to taste something Get divine Peruvian Cuisine from any the quality and service would be great, so other restaurants and this one was on unique, you can now experience genuine of their locations: Divino Ceviche: 2629 as soon as we saw they had opened, we standby. The plan was to open this one Peruvian flavors in their different loca - N.W. 79th Ave., Doral, FL 33122 (305)- went to check it out. with 150 seats and liquor license. Right tions throughout South Florida. 406-2345; Divino Ceviche: 160 Giralda “I have lived in Mexico and admit to now, we have five tables outside (20 Bonnie Fullerton (a/k/a Bonnie Buds) Ave., Coral Gables, FL 33134 (786)-360- being particular when it comes to fusing seats) and we’re serving beer and wine.” said: “The reason why Frank stuck out to 3775; and Ceviches by Divino: 46 Curtiss this amazing cuisine with anything else, Come and enjoy some of the best menu me above all the people that wanted that Parkway, Miami Springs, FL 33166 (786)- but they definitely pulled it off well! items based on the same recipes Christian spot was because he was so family orient - 409-4634. What was interesting to me were the and his two siblings Frank and Richard ed. He works with his brother, his father. A-Taco by Divino Bao’s. A Bao is a kind of sticky bun, devoured as kids – with a chef-inspired They live in Miami Springs. He has a slightly sweet, and thicker than a tortilla. twist. beautiful little family. He was so energetic A-Taco by Divino’s menu boasts the The last time I had them was with Korean About the Chef and brought such a different flavor to perfect balance between the traditions of food in San Francisco. To my surprise, it Miami Springs that I thought we could not Mexican food and the techniques and fla - totally worked with the tacos! Christian Encalada is the Executive do without.” vors of the Peruvian Nikkei dishes. Particularly with the tacos al pastor which Chef who has a successful career as his “As it works out, I was right,” said Guests can enjoy a variety of distinc - have little sweet chunks of pineapple in background. He graduated from Cenfotur Bonnie. “They are fabulous and innovat - tive dishes, including Mexican - Peruvian them. I’m glad to have this place in (School of Peruvian and international gas - ed. Their presentation of Peruvian food is favorites, like Tacos or Bao al Pastor Miami Springs; it was delicious, and we tronomy) in Lima Perú, where he took so unique. I love it. They are just going Peruano - Anticuchero or Pork Belly will definitely be back!” first place in the final cooking exam. His for it. I just love that energy. They are so Nikkei, Tostada con Ceviche de Tuna, A-Taco by Divino is located at 365 N studies were followed by two years in a professional and so honorable in the way Queso Fundido Amazonico, and churros Royal Poinciana Blvd., Miami Springs, prestigious hotel in Spain. He worked for they do business. I could not have been with ice cream for dessert. FL 33166 ~ (305)-456-5553. JOURNALISM MATTERS now more than ever.

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