LET’S FALL IN LOVE WITH MANGO’S! EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH ANTONIO LARACUENTE
Vice President of Operations of Mango’s Tropical Cafe Orlando Antonio Laracuente will be taking the unique ‘Mango’s party’ blend of ingredients from Miami to the new Mango’s in Orlando. Antonio has been with Mango’s for nine years and is the creator Latin Tuesdays, Miami’s Premier Latin VIP Dance party at Mango’s which has been running strong since 2009 at the sizzling Latin flavoured Ocean Drive hot spot.
Watching Antonio at work is impressive and inspirational. Someone who works so incredibly hard each night and clearly enjoys what he does while interacting and ensuring visitors are having a good time. That operations are running smoothly and always wearing a warm smile while having fun at the same time with so much energy. With the opening of the new Mango’s Orlando in late November this year, Antonio is currently on site of the new venue at the heart of International Drive. As preparations from scratch for the opening of the brand new Mango’s Orlando are underway. “Come fall in love with Mango’s” is what Mango’s tell us. My interpretation is that this is NOT an instruction or an invitation, it’s more like a guarantee that you will!
Without further a-do, let’s talk to Antonio about Mango’s Miami, Mango’s Orlando, Pitbull, Voli and more!
Thanks for taking the time to talk to me Antonio
Tell us, for anyone who has never been to Mango’s, can you sum it up for us in a few words or sentences?
Mango’s is a unique restaurant and nightclub featuring fabulous Latin and Caribbean comfort foods, exotic libations and high-energy entertainment provided by beautiful dancers. The music ranges from Salsa to Bachatta, Reggaeton and Pop, while guests sip on hand-mixed Mojitos, Daiquiris, Martinis and Cosmos. Mango’s has coined the phrase “Florri bean Cuisine” to describe the wide range of world-class dining creations including favourites like Churrasco steak, BBQ ribs, Al Ajillo and Caribbean Creole, to mention a few.
Mango’s Miami is renowned for being one of Pitbull’s favourite places, what happens when Mr Worldwide has made a surprise visit?
Yes, Mango’s is one of Mr Worldwide’s favourite places to get away and unwind. When he arrives, he likes to be low key, enjoy his favourite Voli cocktail – Voli, water and limes – and of course, loves the view of our beautiful sexy ladies performing. While he likes to be low key the minute Mr Worldwide sets foot in the venue and is spotted by his fans, the line to take a picture with Pit is non-stop all night – and he never turns anyone away! He respects and understands that he is where he is in his career because of his fans. There are times when the lines to get him get overwhelming. I look at him and say “You want to take a break?” and he says “No Papo – Dale, I am good.” I can truly say he enjoys his fans and loves feeding off their energy for him.
Do you have a favourite Pitbull song?
Don’t Stop The Party… Which goes perfectly with Mango’s!
Has anything funny, crazy, scary happened on any of these Pitbull visits?
Nothing crazy or scary has really happened during one of Pitbull’s visits, but funny things happen every time he is with us! From fans asking to marry him to others showing him their best Pitbull impression. It is always fun when he is at Mango’s. Never a dull moment!
Many fans think you look a lot like Pitbull, have you ever been mistaken for Mr Worldwide?
Sometimes, but once I start singing the mistake is corrected very quickly! (Laughs) Pitbull is a unique character and his charisma is hard to duplicate! It is fun to be mistaken for him, if only in appearance!
What about dancing? Have you ever had the urge to get up on that bar and bust some moves to a Pitbull song?
Of course! Doesn’t everyone get that urge when they feel the beat of a Pitbull song? The only problem is that I certainly would NOT be mistaken for Mr Worldwide if I was ever to get on the stage and “bust
some moves!” (Laughs)
Haha yes I think we all get that urge! I’m sure everyone would happily dance along with you though. Talk to me more about the food at Mango’s. Are there any particular dishes you would personally recommend?
My personal favourites are the Churrasco steak and Caribbean Creole, I prefer the chicken with that one. But believe me, the food is so good at Mango’s, you really can’t go wrong no matter what you select- and the appetizers are so delicious and generous, there are always great beginnings to every meal.
…And of course the cocktails are amazing there! Pitbull’s Voli Spirits Dreamsicle and Volito cocktails are my favourites at Mango’s so far, do you have any preferences?
The Dreamsicle has to be my favourite. It has a unique flavour that really gets things off to a great start. But Mango’s has such a large and creative drink menu, I promise there is something for everyone’s taste!
Absolutely! I’m also excited about the new Mango’s Voli Vodka! Can you tell us more about this and Mango’s Orlando?
The new ‘Mango’s by Voli’ was created to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the legendary Mango’s Tropical Cafe South Beach and the opening this fall of the $50 million, 55,000 square foot Mango’s Tropical Cafe Orlando. It’s a great combination because Pitbull is the Voli Vodka spokesperson and ambassador and, of course, a great friend of Mango’s! The Mango’s Orlando location will be located in the heart of International Drive close to Sand Lake Road and will be three times as large as the South Beach iconic cafe.
WOW that is huge! I can’t wait to visit sometime. I’m obsessed and in awe of the progress made in the photos, especially the magnificent staircase and platform area in the making at the new Mango’s Orlando – is this a performance or VIP area?
The staircase and platform area were designed to be performance areas. We have the Vodou Room, Havana Lounge, Mojito Lounge and VIP Main Stage seating for VIP areas.
Do you have your own secret formula for a great party?
I sure do! It’s the Mango’s formula. Beautiful women providing entertainment, fabulous high-energy Latin music, a fun and classic environment with plenty of room for dancing, creative and tasty drinks, and the best food in the world!
Your work schedule seems really busy! How do you relax and unwind?
Sip a Dreamsicle, put on my earphones and listen to Pitbull, of course! He’s so high-energy though, it gets my blood flowing and it’s hard to stay in my seat. But it is always great to also spend time with family and friends, and Orlando has such great entertainment opportunities like theme parks, beaches nearby, the new Orlando Eye, professional sporting events, they are all a great way to unwind.
Do you have any words of advice for anyone wanting to go into the restaurant, nightlife and entertainment business?
Be ready for the ride of your life! It’s a very demanding business requiring long hours and a lot of sacrifice. So my advice would be to do your homework before you get into it, talk to people like me who have the experience they can share and be sure you are willing to put in the time and effort to make it work! It is a very rewarding career and as long as you know what you’re getting into. It can be a dream come true.
It’s been a pleasure Antonio, thank you so much for sharing with us. I’ve spent many a great nights at Mango’s Miami and am excited about visiting the new Mango’s Orlando sometime.
Follow Antonio, Mango’s Tropical Cafe Miami & Orlando on the following links and check out the fantastic videos below.
Follow Antonio Laracuente
Mango’s Orlando Opening Late November 2015
For more information, reservation & party bookings visit
Mango’s Orlando
Mango’s Miami
Voli Vodka (Over 21 only)
VIDEOS
For more Mango’s Tropical Cafe Videos Click HERE
Pitbull Updates
Pitbull Fan Unleashed 
This place have unique light displays that change color and can be set to create the perfect mood for your celebration. These distinctive features of event venues are sure to wow your guests. And it gets better every instant.
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