Reforma Cocina y Cantina

Reforma Cocina y Cantina Restaurant Review:

Reforma Cocina y Cantina is from the same people that own Union Public House. Located just across St. Philip’s Plaza, this Mexican restaurant offers all the expected items but in the most unexpected ways. Tacos, for example, come filled with hongos (mushrooms), strips of fiery chiles, onions and salsa molcajete. There’s also the pato al guajillo, savory duck confit with raisins, cabbage and salsa borracha. Hibiscus flautas are tiny flutes of tortillas stuffed with chicken, hibiscus, avocado and epazote, served artfully with a dollop of the chunky, super-fresh guacamole. Entrées are no less intriguing. Chiles en nogada foregoes the usual pork picadillo in favor of dried fruit, vegetarian chorizo and quinoa for a little crunch, topped with the traditional walnut crema and pomegranate. Sides include a clever take on calabacitas that uses winter rather than summer squash, frijoles negros and Spanish rice. Among the desserts, go for the “pastel de elote,” a barely sweet corn-studded cake finished with honey and house-made ice cream. We would be remiss not to mention the long list of tequilas in all its forms. Drink it straight or in one of the margaritas.