A Flavorful Fiesta: La Tiendita’s Culinary Conquest
La Tiendita Mexican Restaurant, nestled in the heart of Tallahassee, has emerged as a paragon of culinary excellence and festive celebrations. Under the leadership of Sid and Nora Getz, this delightful establishment recently secured the prestigious 2023 Best of Florida Award, affirming its position as a prime destination for authentic Mexican cuisine and exuberant entertainment.
Sid, Nora and their son Dylan embarked on a gastronomic adventure with La Tiendita, making a bold move from the towering structures of New York City to revolutionize the food scene in Tallahassee. In the beginning, the city had a penchant for Tex-Mex, but the owners of La Tiendita wanted to offer a much more unique menu. “We started doing more authentic cooking, street food, and homestyle cooking – the type of food my wife grew up eating in Mexico,” Sid recalls, expressing his commitment to introducing the locals to a richer palette of Mexican flavors.
This destination is more than just a restaurant; it's a heartfelt narrative told through the medium of food. Sid and Nora, with their roots in Mexico and Brazil, respectively, came to own this establishment in 2017, but the building itself has a history dating back to 2007. Originally, it was a Mexican market bearing the same name, "La Tiendita," which translates to "little store." Sid and Nora proudly recall that this place was the pioneering establishment in Tallahassee to offer genuine Mexican cuisine. Nora played a multi-faceted role in the early days, serving as a cook, server, and manager, infusing the restaurant with her passion and expertise. Today, La Tiendita remains unique, offering both Spanish and Portuguese culture on its menu, a testament to the rich blend of backgrounds and stories that the owners bring to this culinary venture.
La Tiendita was the first Latino restaurant in Tallahassee to be asked to join the prestigious TCC Clever & Cork event. This event is held yearly, and boasts celebrity chefs such as Geoffrey Zakarian, Iron Chef winner, restauranteur, and TV personality. This year, the event’s guest chef will be Andrew Zimmern of the Travel Channel and Bizarre Foods. Sid, Nora, and crew have been invited back every year since to be a part of this extraordinary Tallahassee event.
La Tiendita played a pivotal role in popularizing birria tacos in Tallahassee – a Mexican specialty reminiscent of a French dip. “We started the birria taco here, and soon, the lines were out the door, stretching into the parking lot. Nowadays, you can find them on practically every Mexican cuisine menu in town,” Sid proudly states, highlighting La Tiendita’s influence on the local culinary scene.
The establishment began serving some Brazilian specialty dishes on Friday nights. A signature dish, the picanha platter, soon became one of their best-selling dishes on Fridays due to the request of their Brazilian patrons. Soon enough, it was not just Brazilians asking for more! The demand for Brazilian food and products led Sid and Nora to open Via Brazil Café and Market in the space next door. The store offers a small market with imported Brazilian specialty products such as candy and shampoo, as well as prepared meals, giving the ever-growing Brazilian community access to some of their favorite foods and products.
Next, they opened a bakery in the sub level that runs under both Via Brazil and La Tiendita where they make Brazilian and Mexican desserts and fresh bread. Their son, Dylan, who had just turned two when they arrived from New York City in 2013, now a twelve-year-old about to turn teenager, helps run the bakery. Dylan makes most of the bread used and sold at both restaurants when he’s not in school or studying.
La Tiendita's allure extends beyond its menu; it’s the entire experience that captivates the hearts of its patrons. Sid and his crew have turned the restaurant into a vibrant hub for celebrations, particularly during holidays and weekends. The establishment buzzes with live music ranging from bands to music groups, cultivating an atmosphere where guests are irresistibly drawn to dance, sometimes forming spontaneous conga lines around the restaurant. “It’s all about creating a fantastic atmosphere,” shares a beaming Sid.
Along with running the two businesses, Nora now gives occasional cooking classes at The Prepared Table, an upscale store that offers cooking classes and demonstrations in their actual showroom and kitchen store. Sid is busy masterminding their next venture and improving their online presence through social media and their websites. Dylan is getting ready to be a teenager next month, staying busy with school and helping his parents in his free time.
This unparalleled combination of authentic Mexican flavors and a spirited ambiance struck a chord with the patrons of La Tiendita, significantly contributing to the restaurant’s success at the Best of Florida Awards, hosted by GuidetoFlorida.com. These awards, dictated by the votes of happy customers, bring to light the establishments that genuinely shine and leave a memorable impact on their communities.
Since making Tallahassee their home, Sid and his team have pioneered a new chapter in the city’s culinary narrative, introducing both dishes and experiences that were once unfamiliar to the locale. While other establishments may now be attempting to emulate the enchanting vibe and flavors of La Tiendita, Sid and Nora understand that there is a unique authenticity in cooking what you grew up with, as opposed to trying to mimic the success of another. Winning the Best of Florida Awards is not only a salute to La Tiendita’s culinary mastery but also a celebration of their ability to fuse delectable food with vibrant festivity. It is a tale of passion, authenticity, and entrepreneurial flair, establishing La Tiendita Mexican Restaurant as a cherished local jewel and a proud winner of the 2023 Best of Florida Award.
Contact: 850-523-1494
Contact: info@latienditatally.com
Website: www.latienditatally.com
Location: 1840 N Monroe St.
Tallahassee, FL 32303
