X Marks the Spot
A Spanish Date Spot Gets Super-Sized

Moving into a bigger place is almost always a smart move, whether you're talking about Jerry Jones (Cowboys Stadium), the Miami Heat (AA Arena) or Tom Hanks (that loft in Big).

It's no different for Spanish tapas places. Which is why we're pleased to reintroduce you to Xixón, now open in Coral Gables.

Located a few blocks away from the old location (which closed about six months ago), Xixón (pronounced "she-SHONE") is about three times as big as the previous spot, with an upstairs dining room, lots of seating on the main floor and an expanded food market.

This is where you'll want to bring a date who's up for a fun, loud atmosphere, with a crowd at the bar and salsa music ringing in your ears.

While there's no shortage of menu options, we suggest starting with a bottle of Spanish red and some Croquetas de Jamon Serrano (ham croquettes), then moving on to small plates of Patatas Bravas and Solomillo Steak topped with foie gras.

And to keep the party going, there's a gourmet food shop in the back, ready to send you home with olive oils, cheeses, peppers and cured ham hocks.

You are getting pretty low on ham hocks.