Do you know about this hidden gem inside the Orlando International Airport?
Located on the lobby level, McCoy’s Bar and Grill has been serving inside the MCO for over 30 years, offering an eclectic array of menu items (including their famous crawfish chowder), from fresh sushi and calamari to the McCoy’s kids menu.
If you’re waiting to catch a flight, their Lobby Bar also serves refreshing cocktails until midnight daily in addition to their McCoy’s to-go daily from 7 a.m. to midnight.
They recently debuted a new menu on March 1, 2024 drawing inspiration from chef Jose Alberto “Beto” Ortiz Lopez. We had the chance to catch up and interview with him about his background and the debut of the new menu – read on!
New Spring Menu Highlights at McCoy’s
* Street brisket tacos – Smoked brisket with a Crispy Monterrey Jack cheese custard, topped with citrus corn salad and Chipotle ranch.
* Tropical coconut Shrimp – Crispy Coconut shrimp, topped with mango
* Fresno Jam Meatballs – their traditional meatballs tossed in a homemade fresno pepper jam
* Mexican street corn Dip – Fresh sweet corn combined with Monterrey jack cheese, red onion, jalapeno, lime juice and garnished with queso fresco and tajin, served with Crispy tortilla chips
* Fish Tacos – Fried Blackened Mahi Mahi with tropical Cole slaw, Savory pickled red onion topped with roasted poblano mayo and queso fresco
* Crispy tuna tartar – Tuna tartar with yuzu miso honey on top of crispy fried rice paper, garnish with micro cilantro
Tasty Chomps Interview with Chef Jose Alberto “Beto” Ortiz Lopez, McCoy’s
Ricky Ly, Tasty Chomps: What inspired you to become a chef?
Chef Beto Ortiz Lopez: During my childhood growing up in UVM-GLION Tabasco, Mexico, my grandmother would cook all of her traditional recipes for the entire family. Over time, my mom continued cooking with the same techniques and recipes as my grandmother had. The distinctive smells that came from the kitchen every time she cooked, made me feel that we were together. When I cook for my family, friends or my wife, it is my way to say how much I care for them and love them.
What are some lessons learned in the kitchen that you carry to this day?
Always make sure you have a dry towel on you and your knife is sharpened daily. The team you work with is your family, and you should respect everyone that works with you no matter their position, you never know where you meet again.
What are some advice you would give to someone who is starting out on their cooking journey?
Look for ways daily to enhance your knowledge, improve your skills, and be open to learning. When relocating, go to farmer markets to try local products, try a variety restaurants from different regions, read culinary books, and absorb information from your chefs by asking questions.
Growing up, what are some of your favorite childhood memories around food?
During my childhood, I would visit the local markets with my grandma and sister to try all the street food. We went to all the tianguis in merida, Tabasco, Mexico City to sample tortas de lechon, relleno negro, tacos de cochinita and traditional Yucatan food. We always celebrated with food during birthdays, family reunions and quinceanera parties as a way to keep closed with our large family.
Tell us about this new menu – what are the inspirations and what are you most excited about?
Local Florida flavors mixed with American traditional dishes and topped with a Latin Flare,
For someone who has never been to McCoy’s before, how would you describe it to them and what is special or unique about McCoy’s?
McCoy’s is special place where you will enjoy a warm welcoming from our crew, who have perfected their hospitality. We make our menu with love and give special attention to the diversity of the culture in our area. Our menu items consist of traditional American cuisine with international flavors, with love and care mixed in. From our famous crawfish chowder, to our best seller cobbler dessert or our savory Hot chicken sandwich, there is always a dish for any palette!
McCoy’s Bar and Grill at Hyatt Regency MCO
Tel: +1 407 825 1234
9300 Jeff Fuqua Blvd, Orlando, Florida 32827
https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-regency/en-US/orlan-hyatt-regency-orlando-international-airport/dining
