South American panache

If you’re looking to play arcade games or enjoy a Jones soda at Joebar – 23839 John R, Hazel Park – you’ll have to go elsewhere. At the end of January, Joebar officially transformed into Latido at Joebar, a Central and South American restaurant which will move into the space for the next year, and is led by Executive Chef Michael Barrera and Chef de Cuisine Moses Fishman. Joe and Cari Vaughn still own the space, and Frame, the weekend-only supper club will continue to operate in the space. “I think there are a lot of things people have tried that they don’t know come from these countries that they’ll recognize when they’re here,” Fishman said. “I think people will enjoy new flavors as well.” Fishman – who is Peruvian – said that there are two ways to look at food from a specific region. One, have classic dishes and two, use ingredients from the region. Latido (“heartbeat” in Spanish) plans to do both with their Panama, Peru, Colombia, and Argentina focus. The duo have authentic cred – not only is Fishman Peruvian, but Barrera is half-Mexican and married to a woman who is Argentinian. They’ll have classics like ceviche mixed with new takes on popular dishes, such as a tamales made out of quinoa. A dish Fishman is excited for guests to try is their pan con chicharron, a crispy pork belly sandwich he talked about at length. Latido’s cocktails will take a similar approach, using a lot of spirits, wines, and beers from the area, with a few Michigan classics like Founders thrown in for good measure. The restaurant will be closed on Mondays and open for brunch during the weekend.