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If you’re looking for a place that feels like a warm hug wrapped in bold Latin flavors, look no further than Caliente Grill. Small, cozy, and radiating neighborhood vibes, this unassuming gem is full of surprises—from local artwork for sale on the walls to an incredibly thoughtful, flavor-packed menu you won’t soon forget.
The magic starts with Chef Martita! Originally from Peru, Martita’s culinary vision brings an authentic and refreshingly creative approach to Latin cuisine. Servers Claudia and Valerie were genuinely excited to welcome my wife and me, and that energy flowed throughout the evening.
Let’s talk cocktails. The Mezcalita de Piña was SO good—mezcal’s bold, smoky edge paired beautifully with sweet pineapple and a little jalapeño heat. If you prefer something sweeter, the Mangoneada Margarita is your go-to. Bonus: there’s a Tequila Club offering access to special events and bottle shares—ask your server for the details!
We started with the crispy house-made chips and salsa, seasoned to perfection, and guacamole that was clearly fresh. The Ceviche Mixto (we got the spicy version) was layered and balanced—habanero heat, sweet potato, grilled corn, and perfectly marinated seafood all working in harmony. Pro tip: get a little of everything in each bite. Heaven.
Next, the Fried Yucca with Chicharrones and Curtido—a vibrant, pickled slaw—was an explosion of textures and flavor. Dip, layer, bite. Repeat.
For mains, the Whole Fried Tilapia was a showstopper: golden, fresh, and cooked to medium perfection. The Beef Chile Rellenos surprised us with tender diced beef instead of ground and thick, just-fried handmade tortillas. We also tried the Revuelta Pupusas—pork, cheese, and beans melted together into warm, gooey bliss, especially when topped with curtido.
And dessert? A delightful surprise: Canoa—a roasted plantain stuffed with rice pudding and raisins, dusted with cinnamon. Sweet, simple, and the perfect end to a perfect meal.
At Caliente, we were transported. The menu is full of heart, soul, and stories—unlike anything we’ve experienced in the Latin dining scene. Trust us: skip the usual suspects and order from the house specialties menu. This hidden gem won’t stay hidden for long.
Chef Kevin Devine is the Founder & Chef of Crave Catering Co., a local full service catering firm with an emphasis on globally influenced cuisine. Kevin is also an avid gardener, and often jokes that if he wasn’t a Chef he would definitely be a farmer. As far as food goes, he considers himself a pizza connoisseur, a pasta lover, and a mustard enthusiast. He makes his home with his wife and dining partner, Etoye, and their two daughters in Crofton.
Eye on Annapolis: Weekly Round-Up