JoToro Kitchen Offers Twist On Tacos, Burritos, Enchiladas

TAMPA, FL — Cooked up by Michelin star-winning Chef Joe Isidori, JoToro Kitchen + Tequila Bar opened in November and is getting an enthusiastic thumbs up from visitors to Sparkman Wharf.

Specializing in "fine Mexican provisions," diners can enjoy south-of-the-border inspirations while indulging in hand-shaken cocktails, craft-batched margaritas and tequila flights.

“Tampa’s food scene has really been expanding over the last few years. With the development of Water Street Tampa in downtown, I feel it is ready to explode,” Isidori said.

After honing his skills in his father’s restaurants, Isidori refined his talents at the Culinary Institute of America. His mentors have included Florida’s Chef Michael Schwartz.

Along with his Michelin star, Isidori was named a StarChefs Rising Star and won the New York City Wine & Food Festival Burger Bash three times.

He's been the executive chef of Mar-a-Lago, oversaw dining concepts in Chicago and Las Vegas, including DJT at the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, and co-founded and co-created the wildly successful Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer in 2015.

The success of Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer prompted Isidori to release his first book, "Craft Burgers & Crazy Shakes." Black Tap has since added four locations in Manhattan with 10 international locations on the horizon.

In the interim, Isidora has talked wings with Michael Strahan on “Good Morning America,” taken on Bobby Flay in the “Iron Chef” Kitchen Stadium and cooked alongside the “Barefoot Contessa” Ina Garten.

He said the eclectic mix at Sparkman Wharf was a natural next step in his creative vision.

Although JoToro Kitchen + Tequila Bar is a departure from burgers and shakes he concocted at Black Tap, Isidori hasn't skimped on creativity and quality with dishes like wood-fired tacos filled with grilled tofu, pineapple and pickled onions; blackened Baja shrimp and spicy Vietnamese steak.

Other menu favorites include grilled Thai watermelon and feta salad; sizzling steak with salsa ranchero, crema and cheese; roasted and spiced Mexican corn; glazed slab bacon; and ahi tuna poke with crispy wontons. Click here to take a peek at the menu.

The craft cocktails are equally creative ranging from Blueberry Gin Fizz with Ford's gin, fresh lemon, blueberry puree, agave and Topo Chico to the Cactus Claw made with White Claw cherry, a shot of Patron Silver and fresh lime.

“At the end of the day, I am just a kid from New York City who grew up in my family’s Italian restaurants," Isidori said. “I have learned the art of sushi, flipped a burger or two, and made a lot of fresh pasta, but there is nothing better than whipping up Tex-Mex enchiladas and ice-cold golden margaritas.”

Featuring a rustic, industrial chic decor with indoor and outdoor seating, JoToro is located on the prime street front corner at the entrance to the park at Sparkman Wharf, 615 Channelside Drive.

Jotoro Kitchen is open Monday from 4 to 10 p.m., Tuesday to Thursday, from 4 to 11 p.m., Friday from 4 p.m. to midnight, Saturday from noon to midnight and Sunday from noon to 10 p.m.