Daze Dish: Union Cantina

Owners of the Southampton Social Club Ian Duke and David Hilty opened Union Cantina in Summer 2016. Social Club's Executive Chef Scott Kampf has created an innovative modern Mexican menu in the former Southampton Publick House space in Southampton. Chef Kampf has been featured on the legendary television show "Iron Chefs of America" and brings his farm-to-table style to the new eatery. Union Cantina, which features a 400 Rabbits Tequila Bar, is reminiscent of a prohibition-era speakeasy. The tequila bar carries over 100 types of tequila adding to the unique signature cocktail menu consisting of sangrias, punches, and frozen drinks. Try the Black & Blue 'Rita which includes Don Julio anejo tequila, fresh blue and blackberry puree, cherries, and lime sour, served on the rocks. Since it was brunch time when my friend and I visited Union Cantina last week we opted to hold off on the tequila bar and stick with a set of mimosas. They happen to be two-for-one on Sundays. We shared a few dishes, starting with the avocado and hearts of palm salad, which include sweet corn, grape tomatoes, and an oregano lime vinaigrette. It was a welcoming, light start to our meal with naturally delicious flavors. Next up was the taco trio, where diners can choose three tacos off the taco menu. We decided on the pollo tirada (chicken) taco which included black beans, corn, tomato salsa, and quest blanco. The pargo (red snapper) taco was Caribbean spiced and included cucumber pico de gallo and black beans. The vientre de cerdo (pork belly) taco rounded out the trio with jicama slaw and tomatillo salsa. All three tacos were delicious morsels of goodness. It's an optimal dish to order if you want to try out a few of the tacos on the menu or can't commit to just one dish. We finished with the marinated aracherras (skirt steak) quesadillas made with a Mexican cheese blend, black beans, and salsa vera cruz, served with quacamole, pico de Gallo, and sour cream. Also on the menu, the deconstructed enchiladas are a Union Cantina specialty. They offer a variation suited for all appetites including the marinated aracherras, the robalo rayados (striped bass), the picante camrones (spicy shrimp), the pollo tirada (pulled chicken), and vegetales (vegetables). Desserts include Mexican specialties such as churros, tres leches cake, and sweet plantain fritters. Everything we ordered was executed simply and wonderfully. And we can't wait to go back and try out the tequila. Union Cantina's festive atmosphere makes it a perfect place to go with family, a group of friends, or on a date. Union Cantina 40 Bowden Square Southampton 631-377-3500 www.unioncantina.net

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