Maiz Cocina — Restaurant in Corona

You ever fall in love with food? Because I did here, and it is truly a love I wish upon every one reading this. 😌🤌

To set the mood, I wanted to be a wild child and choose a random restraunt I'd never been too... I know, I know, I'm a bad to the bone. What can I say? Did I mention it was... my BIRTHDAY? A dangerous game to play with 4.5+ rated star restaurants online that often fall short of the reputation and make you question how many people's taste buds are okay out there, but as you know by now, I'm a dare devil willing to risk it ALL for you readers at home to know the TRUTH. You are welcome in advance. 😌

My partner had the mole Enchilada plate and is a picky eater. While I don't have the culinary grace, his momma cooks like she KNOWS she could leave her man... aka, the bar is high 🤌 So did he like it? The man LOVED it. Best part was I got to gloat for choosing the spot, as it turned out, our meal not only came with free chips, salsa, and beans, it also came with a complimentary ego boost. 😏

The core reasons I chose this restraunt?

1. Pretty plating with pretty decoration ✨️ 2) Lamb Shanks 😛

The lamb shanks slapped my taste buds into a trance. I was dancing with the bones like they were maracas. The gratin served on the side was like a soap opera of emotion slipped into my pie hole, it's where Latin chefs meet our girl-next-door, (American classics), with passion, challenging the American cuisine starred to step out her comfort zone and evolve to be more tantalizing and edgy. 😎 My one complaint? The vegetables on the otherside tasted like vegetables, where's the seasoning? I'd swap it out if you aren't on a calorie count and didn't come out for bland veggies 🤣

For dessert, I went with my server's recommendation, house special pound cake. BEWARE. This sugary seduction is more than ready to homewreck your relationship to good health and tempt you to stray from every fitness goal you've built just so you can get a taste of that soft, buttery cake for the rest of your life.

All in all, I loved this location and hope you do even more. They were empty when we came (my social anxiety loved this for me), but I truly feel they deserve more attention and business. I hope my review has convinced you to give them a chance and a desire to write a 5 star review too... mainly for the added ego boost of being right, but also because I know your reviews can help bring more exposure and business by using that patriotic 1st ammendment to free speech. You may not be able to save the world, but you might be able to save theirs by simply sharing your favorite moments. Your voice matters more than you know, so use it, and use it wisely.

Until the next...

This is my brother's and sister in law's favorite Mexican Restaurant. My brother loves Maiz's sauces that seem so prominent in their entres. Our waitress, Maricella, was a joy. Funny, smiling always, she teased us playfully through out our meal. I am sure she's served my brother and his wife many times. She added to the pleasurable experience. Everything on the menu sounds and looks incredibly delicious. Every plate I saw was beautifully presented. As for our dinner, it was as expected: delicious and unique. Familiar dishes were given a Maiz special twist making it their own. My brother recommended his favorite: Chile Colorado. He raved about it, and ordered Lobster Enchiladas (I had a little taste of them, and would definitely consider them in the future, covered in an incredible sauce or gravy (mole?). I ordered Carnitas. My sister-in-law had Chile Colorado. When her plate arrived I immediately regretted not getting it. If I ever return (I live in SC) I will have that, for sure. Her Chile Colorado was arranged in 4 mounds of rice covered with thick, deep red sauce and tender beef chunks. My other brother had the braised beef short ribs taquitos. Again, I thought, "Damn! I should have had that instead of my favorite, Carnitas." His taquitos were little works of art. Each taquito was half-sized (twice as many were on the plate to make up for the smaller size). My brother raved about them, but, selfishly he didn't share any with me. My favorite, Carnitas, was delivered with four large pieces of roast pork. It was the most tender and juicy carnitas I have ever had, seasoned perfectly. I make a great carnitas. Like I always do, I asked Maricella for the recipe. She said, no. I...

This is a very upscale Mexican restaurant at the end of the Green River Promenade. Much cleaner and brighter than others in Corona.

First off, the interior is a simple yet refreshingly huge upgrade from the previous Mexican place. They (will) have a full bar with what looks to be an exciting assortment of margaritas - I can't wait. They also are setting up an outside dining area that will be fantastic in the summer.

The food is nothing short of fantastic. I can honestly it is THE best Mexican food I have had - bar none. It is a modern Mexican menu that is thoughtfully executed. I never understood when celebrity chefs or judges said this food "makes sense" or doesn't. I understand it now. The three Maiz Cocina dishes - made sense and was perfectly balanced.

We had...

Shrimp Taquitos - These prawns were the size a grown man's arm - ok, that might be a bit of an understatement. Crispy, fresh and taste of the ocean come to mind when I ate these.

Famous Carnitas - Perfectly Executed. Crispy, VERY juicy. Just the right amount of seasoning and so very tender. I can see why they are famous.

Taquitos Al Gusto (with braised short rib) - These were our favorite. Think juicy, tender and expertly seasoned short ribs wrapped and deep fried.

But it keeps getting better...

All of the salsas, sauces and guacamole were right on point - adding just enough to take a 10 dish...to 11!

All of the staff I met were super friendly. They new my name immediately (caller ID helps). Thanks to Maiz Cocinia team for making us look forward to this crazy COVID lockdown - you'll be first of the places we...