Roasters and Giorgio Rapicavoli of Eating House fame recently opened House of Per’La coffee shop, a culinary-driven coffeehouse just off Ponce de Leon Boulevard in the heart of Coral Gables. Serving cold-brew coffees and an eclectic mix of desserts, pastries, and more, this new spot in the former location of Café Curuba is already developing a fanatical local following.
Caja Caliente
Caja Caliente brings a ‘tropical y tranquilo’ vibe to Coral Gables. Home of the famous Original Cuban tacos chef/owner Monica ‘Mika” Leon brings fresh, family recipes to the City. 808 Ponce de Leon.
Bachour
Renowned pastry chef Antonio Bachour brings his instagram worthy desserts to Coral Gables in a stunning, 5,000 square foot eatery and workshop space. The menu is Contemporary American, and features a full-line of viennoiserie, egg-based dishes, tartines, sandwiches and salads as well as Bachour’s petite-gateux, macarons and bonbons. Serving breakfast, lunch and weekend brunch, the open concept space is also a hub for culinary professionals to perfect their craft, by attending 2 and 3 day workshops with Bachour, who was named Best Pastry Chef 2018. Bachour is located on the ground floor at 2020 Salzedo.
Ad Lib
Ad Lib features an all-star culinary team with a focus on modern-American cuisine, rooted in authenticity. Award-Winning Chef/Partner Norman Van Aken and two-time James Beard finalist Executive Pastry Chef Hedy Goldsmith, both Miami natives, will lead the charge to create a special neighborhood gathering place, bringing together locals and visitors alike. Ad Lib will deliver an elevated, yet approachable menu, and dishes will reflect a sophisticated playfulness coupled with a thoughtful approach to responsibly sourced meats, local produce, and wild-caught fish and seafood.
Rodilla
This Madrid, Spain–based sandwich chain is opening its first U.S. outlet on the Miracle Mile this spring. Long known in Spain as an excellent place for fast-casual dining, Rodilla will bring a new level of style and sophistication to the downtown café scene.
If you’re looking for a fun night full of sangrias, cured meats, and tapas, Bulla (pronounced Boo-ya) is the place to go. This Spanish gastrobar is known for its amazing food, chill atmosphere, and super friendly service. Their drinks are also on point.
Start your exploration of Spanish cuisine with white sangrias. Made with white wine, blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries, they are sweet and refreshing—everything you want from a sangria.
Pair your drink with a tray of mixed cured cheeses and pan con tomate. Executive Sous Chef Felix Plasencia recommends Jamón Serrano (Fermin Serrano ham, aged 18 months), Lomo Ibérico (cured Iberian pork loin), Idiazábal cheese (firm sheep’s milk, lightly smoked, from the Basque country), and Manchego cheese (three-month-aged sheep’s milk). The cheese tray is served with membrillo (a sweet fruit-and-honey jam), walnuts, and cubed pieces of ciabatta bread.
Be sure to try their signature dish, the Huevos Bulla: a jumbo organic fried egg served over homemade potato chips, Serrano ham, and potato foam with drizzled truffle oil. The perfectly fried egg, crunchy potatoes, and creamy sauce taste amazing. If you are a fried egg lover, this is a must.
Ensalada de Pulpo
16 ounces octopus, pre-cooked
8 ounces heirloom tomato (yellow/dark red colors, diced 3/4-inch cubes)
8 ounces Roma Tomato (diced 3/4-inch cubes)
16 ounces European cucumber (diced 3/4-inch cubes)
2 ounces red onion (fine julienne)
4 ounces extra virgin olive oil
8 ounces lemon juice (fresh)
8 teaspoons dried oregano
4 teaspoons kosher salt
28 croutons
Maldon sea salt
Fresh black pepper (ground)
Olive oil
1.Place the cooked octopus on a hot grill until slightly charred. (Tip: Octopus should be just slightly charred; do not overcook.)
2.Remove from the grill and slice into 1/2-inch pieces. Reserve for plating.
3.Add tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, olive oil, lime juice, oregano, and kosher salt in a small mixing bowl. Toss until everything is evenly coated.
4.Add the croutons and toss one more time.
5.Add the salad mixture to a serving bowl. (Plating tip: Pile high by building a base and stacking a couple of pieces from the salad mixture at a time.)
6.Place the grilled octopus on top of the salad.
7.Garnish with Maldon sea salt, fresh ground black pepper, and olive oil. (Tip: Add just enough dressing to make sure the salad is not dry.)
Serves 4.
Wine Pairing
La Crema Monterey Pinot Noir Rosé.
Coral Gables has the one of the best independent bookstores in the country, Books & Books. This bookshop is so much more than a book retailer. It has been a pillar of the community for over 30 years and has brought revolutionizing events to South Florida, including the Miami Book Fair. This nonstop literary machine hosts events year-round, bringing in all kinds of authors to speak and sign books.
Inside this amazing book-lover’s haven, you’ll find the Café at Books & Books, helmed by local celebrity chef Allen Susser. When you sit in the half-booths lining the café’s walls, you’re surrounded by books and a mosaic of photographs of famous authors who have visited the bookshop. You might also bump into a well-known local author working on his or her manuscript. The café and bookstore surround a lovely courtyard with outside seating. It also hosts monthly farm-to-table dinners.
Chef Allen has crafted a sustainable and healthy menu featuring locally grown produce. The menu includes wonderful salads, grilled cheese, quesadillas, and vegetarian options. They also offer a delightful appetizer happy hour on Fridays and live music on the weekends. It the perfect place to enjoy a delicious meal surrounded by books and book lovers.
