HOLIDAY ISSUE Let’s
Eat
Kickin’ it “Joe’s” Old School • All’s Fine at Copper 29 • Fall into Wine this Season
FALL 2016
Burgerliscious Returns!
Opening special offer for Let’s Eat Magazine readers 20% off tuition fees for 1 week programs and workshops if enrolling before December 31, 2016
Ask about our Special Events
Come to visit us: www.culinaryschool.us 2151 Lejeune Road, Suite 110, Coral Gables FL 33134 (305) 316-6820 or (305) 904-7611 • contact@culinaryschool.fr
SHORT PROGRAMS FOR AMATEURS • Three Hour Workshops • One Week Cooking or Pastry classes • Tailored programs for groups and companies • Teambuilding • Special Events Martine Lessault shares: “After 40 years of experience in the hospitality industry and in luxurious restaurants all over Europe, I decided to transfer my passion into this fabulous concept where students of all nationalities can discover the French gastronomy. My philosophy: The best products, a great discipline, excellent teachers, family atmosphere and passion, always passion.”
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A French Culinary Academy in Coral Gables Now Open
welve years ago Martine Lessault created the first Gastronomicom Academy in South of France. It be gan from scratch out of passion. With a lot of work and combativeness, she raised her school to an international renowned level in French cooking and pastry.
The brand new Gastronomicom culinary academy is an exclusive place teaching upscale French cooking and French pastry at One Michelin Star level. Students come from all over the world to discover French Gastronomy, to improve their skills or just for fun.
Come visit us soon!
Today’s Menu FA L L | H O L I DAY 2 0 1 6 Morsels from the Editor-in-Chief Save Your Pennies, Copper 29 is Here to Stay, Nikki Deas, Vine Communications Switch Up Your Wine Game This Fall, by Jacqueline Coleman, Sommelier Food 4 Thought with Joe Caristo, Joe’s Old School Pizza Burgerliscious returns to the Gables Thursday, November 3rd!
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menu letseatmagazine
coralgableschamber.org
CATERING & DELIVERY
BOTTOMLESS MIMOSA’S ON SATURDAY & SUNDAY FOR $15.00 BREAKFAST • LUNCH • DINNER 786.360.4026 | 169 MIRACLE MILE, CORAL GABLES, FL 33134 / CREMA GOURMET CREMA_GOURMET CREMA_GOURMET
MORSELS FROM THE EDITOR
TICKETS @ BURGERLISCIOUS.COM
You hold in your hands the latest issue of Let’s Eat Magazine, whose cover encourages you to take a bite out of one of my favorite events of the year for burger aficianados – Burgerliscious 2016! Celebrating its sixth year of offering up the very best in burgers, this year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever. Our goal is to simply #makeamericahungryagain with this amazing foodie festival!
SCENES FROM OUR CHAMBER’S BURGERLISCIOUS 2015
Created during the height of the Great Recession in 2011, our Chamber’s goal was to remind folks to eat out, enjoy a great meal and support our local restaurant community. And, even if you were on a tight budget, you could still order an amazing burger from one of our many fine restaurants. Now, five years later, we have seen our economy recover and Burgerliscious has become a major foodie event in our community, one that everyone looks forward to each year, especially me.
We are very proud of our little burger bash which started from a very small idea and was curated with a singular purpose – to show some love to our restaurants. Today, Burgerliscious has grown into a blockbuster event featuring 20+ restaurants, a cadre of amazing local sponsors and partners and of course, the most mouth-watering burgers in town, all under one gorgeous night sky! While we have come a long way since the economic collapse at the end of the last decade, our restaurants still need your support and loving embrace, especially those located along Miracle Mile and Giralda Avenue directly affected by the Streetscape upgrades. I am sure you have seen the construction taking place that will lead to an even more beautiful new downtown at the end of next year. Yet, we need your support now. Yes, the streets are torn up, the sidewalks have been pared down a tad and the dust and dirt is rather obtrusive. But, our restaurants (and retailers) are still unlocking their front doors every morning, firing up their grills, creating amazing dishes and putting on a great show for even the most discerning diner! We are, after all, building beautiful for an even brighter downtown!
I would ask that you do our restaurants a solid during the construction phase and patronize them during this challenging time – better yet, convene a breakfast meeting there, move your lunch appointment to Miracle Mile, host a happy hour for the offiice staff on Giralda Avenue or take your sweetie to dinner and make it a great date night in downtown Coral Gables. We need your help for our restaurants to thrive and survive, starting right now. To compliment this need, you will notice more co-op advertising, a collaboration between the Chamber and the Business Improvement District of Coral Gables, to bring an even greater awareness to our amazing restaurants, new and old, that have called downtown their home for a long time. It is our pleasure to do our part and we thank the BID for joining us in this effort.
Finally, several of our fave features return again this issue, including an in-depth story on the incredible ownership team behind Copper 29 Bar and Crèma on Miracle Mile, Food 4 Thought with the effusive “Joeâ€? Caristo of Joe’s Old School Pizza, sommelier Jacqueline Coleman fills our Fall gift baskets with great wines for giving and getting, and well, a full-page centerfold spread featuring the most gorgeous, beckoning tease in the history of our little magazine – Burgerliscious 2016! November 3rd cannot arrive soon enough in my humble opinion!
Now, Let’s Eat!
MARK A. TROWBRIDGE, PRESIDENT & CEO ~ § §
Photos provided by SnapHappy Photos
Thank you again for your constant feedback on our magazine and for your enduring support of our publication, our advertisers and of course, our local restaurant community. As always, we are stronger when we dine together!
JESSICA WILCOX, OWNER  } ~ “ | sales@letseatmiami.com | (305) 962.9313
Not every day is perfect. But at least they can end that way.
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Save Your Pennies, BY: NIKKI DEAS
Copper 29
is Here to Stay
Copper 29 has quickly become the go-to watering hole for young professionals and hip Gabelites looking for a craft cocktail in a beautiful setting. But, you don’t have to be an uber cool 20 or 30-something to patronize this hot new joint. Located in the heart of Coral Gables directly on Miracle Mile, the interior of Copper 29 is a total throwback, anchored by a beautiful mahogany bar and floor-to-ceiling living wall. The interior décor is warm and inviting, with leather couches and bar stools, while soft lighting from chandeliers and lamps create the perfect, golden hue. And, the large glass doors that open directly onto the Mile beckon both the curious and the aficionado. Ambiance isn’t the only thing that has a thoughtful undertone at Copper 29. The cocktail menu is creative, yet classic and intentionally designed to take mixology to the next level. Fresh ingredients, interesting syrups and over-the-top presentations, not only define Copper 29, but differentiate it from any other establishment in the area. The menu is comprised of unique signature cocktails, including the aptly titled Bitter Truth which is made with Broker’s gin, plum wine, basil-strawberry syrup, lemon, tonic bitters and a mystery perfume. Another must-try is the Smoky Gables, which combines Maestro Dobel Diamante roasted mango-infused tequila, Amaro Montenegro, red cabbage syrup, lime and bitter lemon soda. Now, that’s a hometown drink with a purpose! The food at Copper 29 is also not to be missed. Esteemed Chef Omar Montero draws inspiration from the South, infusing delicious Cajun flavors and spices into many of Copper’s dishes, including New Orleans Chili Duck Nachos and the Smoke Pork Confit Sliders. Lighter, Miami-inspired fare is also on the menu, including a fresh ceviche and a bright organic kale Cesar salad. Copper 29 has quickly become a favorite for its happy hour, occurring daily from 4 to 8 p.m., including weekends. Wines start at just $5 a glass, beers at $4 and daily specials on their infamous signature cocktails are abundant. Future plans include turning the bar into an after-hours, music lounge and a delicious brunch menu slated to debut in the Fall.
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Inspired by one of the elements on the periodic table, Copper 29 is more than an organic addition to City Beautiful, it is poised for atomic greatness.
Copper 29 Bar
206 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables | (786) 580-4689 copper29bar.com
15% OFF YOUR MEAL PuRCHACES
305.529.6600 245 uNIVERSITY DR. • cORAL GABLES, FL 33134
Building Beautiful for a Tastier Future!
Please help support our local restaurant community during the downtown streetscape construction.
DOWNTOWN CORAL GABLES
& MIRACLE MILE RESTAURANTS 5411 Empanadas Angelique Euro Café Bellmont Spanish Restaurant Benihana BurgerFi California Pizza Kitchen Chicken Kitchen Cibo Wine Bar Capital One Café (opening soon) CocoLimon Frozen Yogurt Copper 29 Crema Gourmet Espresso Bar Denny’s Restaurant Einstein Bros. Bagels Fratellino Ristorante Hillstone Haagen-Dazs Janette & Co Macaron and French Pastries Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches John Martin’s Irish Pub & Restaurant
Le Petit Café Le Provencal Le Tartine Di Teresa Lotus Garden Loui Friendly Food Miller’s Coral Gables Ale House Morelia Gourmet Paletas My Ceviche Ortanique on the Mile Panera Bread Patagonia Pita n Shawarma PizzaRev (opening soon) Red Koi Thai & Sushi Lounge Season’s 52 Starbucks Coffee Tarpon Bend Raw Bar & Grill Uvaggio Restaurant & Wine Bar VIXI Gelateria
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Food Thought Featuring
Joe Caristo, Owner
A few months ago, Mayor Jim Cason and I had the opportunity to welcome Joe Caristo and his very own Joe’s Old School Pizza to the Gables at their official ribbon cutting. As a former employee of a pizza restaurant in Melbourne, Florida, I felt like I knew a thing or two about making the perfect pizza. I had spent a summer doing everything from making the dough to tossing the pizzas sky-high to dressing a pie to perfection. Miss Sue, my character of a store manager, used to comment that “it didn’t need to look like a volcano” when I was done adding the toppings and cheese, especially if I expected it to cook all the way through. Lesson learned, even though to this day I love a cheesy, mightily topped pizza. And yet, after spending just a few minutes with Joe, I learned very quickly that he has his own secret recipe that make his old school pizza deliciously brand new again. It is authentic, it is real, it is as tasty as they come. What a joy to have a little slice of Italy right here in our backyard! Here is Joe’s very own Food 4 Thought and 4 questions on his newest creation and amazing new location in the Gables across from UM: 1) In addition to your “Old School Pizza”, what are “FOUR” other featured items on the menu? Meatballs, chicken wings, Caesar salads, chicken, eggplant and meatball parmesan dinners, and of course, some amazing subs. 2) What “FOUR” toppings are the most popular on your “Old School Pizza”? What “FOUR” are less popular – but you would highly recommend, as well? The most popular are pepperoni, mushroom, ham and sausage. White pizza, vegan cheese pizza, Hawaiian pizza and “the works” are all great, but not as popular as the ones listed above. 3) More than “FOUR” countries claim they invented pizza – but since you are “Old School”, who do you ultimately give credit to? Italy is where it all started, but I believe that New York City perfected our American style of pizza once it made its way across the ocean. 4) What “FOUR” Cities in the US are killing it right now with their pizza game? And why? How does Miami stack up? Any borough in New York, New Jersey, Chicago and Philadelphia. The reason these cities stand out is that these four places are where it all began: NYC, Jersey, Chicago and Philly transformed themselves into the pizza hubs of the country early on. Florida in general, is saturated with fast food pizza chains. It’s sad because people that have never tried ‘real pizza’ don’t know the difference. Once they try our pizza, they hardly ever order from a chain pizza restaurant again. Other than mine, there are one or two other good, local pizzerias. BONUS: If I only had “FOUR” bucks, what could I order off your menu? A slice of the best pizza in Florida, or an order of our famous zeppolis, an Italian ice cream straight from Brooklyn, a beer or an order of garlic rolls.
The Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce Presents:
BURGER-
liscious
Thursday, Nov. 3rd Fred B. Hartnett / Ponce Circle Park
6 PM - 10 PM
MAD WORLD ORCHESTRA In partnership with the Business Improvement District of Coral Gables
BURGERS + BEER + LIVE MUSIC GET YOUR TICKETS @ BURGERLISCIOUS.COM
PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS (TO DATE): BRICKTOP’S RESTAURANT BULLA GASTROBAR | THE CAFÉ AT BOOKS & BOOKS | CHRISTY’S RESTAURANT COPPER 29 BAR | DOCTORS HOSPITAL | FETES & EVENTS | INNER FIRE GRILL OFF THE MILE RESTAURANT | PINCHO FACTORY | PISCO Y NAZCA CEVICHE GASTROBAR DORAL | ROK:BRGR | SEASONS 52 | SHAKE SHACK | SHULA’S 347 GRILL | SWINE SOUTHERN TABLE & BAR | TARPON BEND RAW BAR & GRILL VENTANAS RESTAURANT AT FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON | BLUE MARTINI BRICKELL | DEE-LISH CUPCAKES SPONSORED BY:
Developing Business Building Community
#burgerliscious16 | #makeamericahungryagain
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/burgerliscious
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@burgerliscious_
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@burgerliscious_
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO PURCHASE TICKETS, CONTACT THE CORAL GABLES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AT (305) 446-1657 OR VISIT BURGERLISCIOUS.COM
v v
200 S Pointe Dr Miami Beach
CORAL GABLES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE DIAMOND AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
45 Miracle Mile Coral Gables
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT
CIBOWINEBAR.COM
4100 N Federal HWY Ft Lauderdale
About Sucre Cafe: Sucre Café is a family run business offering moderately priced meals in a trendy and cozy setting. It has indoor and outdoor seating, and is pet-friendly. Sucre Café reflects Chef Sucre’s passion for cooking through homemade recipes, elaborate breakfasts, handcrafted sandwiches, French baked goods, small entrees and much more.
Chef Antonio Sucre... is a self-motivated young entrepreneur from humble beginnings. His culinary education started in Miami with a Bachelor’s Degree in Culinary Arts. He also studied at Johnson and Wales, Le Cordon Bleu and the Institute Paul Bocuse Château du Vivier in Lyon, France. Chef Sucre’s cuisine is influenced by his Latin heritage, with an inclination towards Italian and French Cuisine. This gives his cooking a modern touch infused with Latin flavors. Located in Downtown, Coral Gables next to the historic City Hall, Chef Sucre’s latest project is Sucre Café. The French Bistro and Coffee Shop is often referred to as a “hidden jem.”
Hours of Operation:
Contact Us:
Mon/Tues/Thurs/Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
475 Biltmore Way Ste# 104B
Wed 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Coral Gables, FL 33134
Sat BRUNCH 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
(305) 444 2025
We offer catering and delivery www.sucre-cafe.com • info@sucre-cafe.com
www.sucre-cafe.com info@sucre-cafe.com
Instragram @SucreCafe_CoralGables Twitter @SucreCafeGable FaceBook @sucrecafecoralgables
For All Your Special Occassions! ANY MEAL Purchace!
305.441.0611 243 University Dr. Coral Gables, FL 33134 Not valid with any other offer.
Birthdays Anniversaries Weddings Graduations Baptisms Baby Showers Checkout our online Menu! vickybakery.com
Award Winning “New York Style” Pizza
JOE’S Old School Pizza Pizza by the Slice and Pizza by the Pie. Dinners•Subs•Wings. and Much more! 1232 South Dixie Highway Coral Gables, Florida 33146 Open Late 7 Days A Week
(305) 663-3535 www.joesoldschoolpizzamiami.com
Switch Up Your Wine Game This Jacqueline Coleman is a certified Sommelier and 4th generation Miamian, born and raised in Coral Gables. You can find her musings about the “wine lifestyle” on her blog, History & Wine (historyandwine.com), or follow her on Twitter @HistoryandWine.
Fall
You've tried them all, haven't you? Bordeaux, Rioja, California, even New Zealand. By now you know your favorite regions, and maybe even specific labels that are as familiar as your favorite check-out lane candy bar. You mindlessly grab the bottle you recognize at the store because you had that "California Cabernet with the red label" the past few wine nights, and it's "good". You’re stuck in a “wine rut”. All adventurous winos should always be looking for the most interesting new-to-you regions & varietals. However, if you do find yourself in a wine rut this Fall, it may be time to switch up your wine game with these little known wine regions & labels.
Sicily
Sure, you've had the standard Italian Pinot Grigio, Chianti, or even a bold Barolo, but have you explored Sicily as a wine region? There are some very interesting varietals that are very uniquely Sicilian. Stemmari Wines from winemaker Lucio Matricardi is a brand to look for when considering a Sicilian wine adventure. Need a new red wine for your baked pasta or savory cheeses? Try Stemmari's Nero D'Avola. Instead of your basic Pinot Grigio, try a Sicilian Grillo with your white fish dish. For under $15, Stemmari's Dalila is the perfect accompaniment to your next dinner party. If red blends are your go-to, you'll have to try Stemmari's "Cantodoro"; a perfect melody of Nero D' Avola & Cabernet Sauvignon. For a really different treat, ask for Stemmari's Pinot Noir on tap at Trust & Co. right here in Downtown Coral Gables.
Turkey
Turkey may not be the first country you think about when you think of wine, but that's exactly why you should choose a Turkish wine when given the opportunity. Selendi Winery in Akhisar, Aegean Region of Turkey, produces some of the finest Chateau-style wines. From a Viognier/Chardonnay blend to a full-bodied red Bordeaux-blend with a Turkish twist, Selendi is not a label to be ignored.
Virginia
Virginia wine really is the closest to an Old World style that you have in the U.S--closer in style to French wines than to its cousins in California. The climate in Virginia is more conducive to some of the more traditionally French varietals such as Chenin Blanc, Viognier, and Cabernet Franc. Though most Virginia wine is made in small batches and not widely exported, you can find delicious Virginia Wine right here in Coral Gables at Uvaggio Wine Bar. Uvaggio's infamous Sommelier, Heath Porter, has picked out a great Cabernet Franc Reserve from Barboursville Vineyards to share with adventurous wine drinkers who are looking for an alternative region to try. There is no excuse to stay in your wine rut this Fall! ‘Tis the season to rethink your wine game!
AMERICAN CUISINE WITH SOUTHERN INFLUENCE AND A LATIN TOUCH Th e m e n u c o n t a i n s v a r i o u s p ro t e in dis he s b ut a l s o d i s h es f o r v e gans. Som e of t h e ke y i n g red i e n t s wo uld be ra g u , c a ju n s p i c es a n d po le nt a.
HOURS OF OPERATION : 4pm-2am
HAPPY HOUR: 4pm-8pm
2 0 6 mi ra cl e m i l e | Co r al G ab l es 33134 ( 7 86) 296-5729
w w w.C o p p e r 2 9 b a r. c o m coppe r 2 9 b ar
copper29bar
It’s never too early to plan your holiday cheer. Hyatt is the perfect place to end one year and begin another. Intimate gatherings, big bashes and everything in between.
Event Specialists: 305.447.6020 50 Alhambra Plaza Coral Gables, Florida 33134 www.coralgables.hyatt.com
14 Must-Eats on Restaurant Row GIRALDA AVENUE Go on a Thai dinner date at Bangkok Bangkok Enjoy a sweet potato ravioli at Castelluccio Restaurant Order a latte made with Jamaican coffee beans at Pasión Del Cielo Try the Ceviche de Mariscos at Divino Ceviche, order a Pisco sour or two Have an açai bowl at Greenlife Organic Bistro Spice up my day and try the Kanikama Crunch at Ikura Sushi Lounge Satisfy my gourmet burger craving at The Local Travel to La Dorada for a taste of Spain Enjoy a steamed rice noodle bowl at Miss Saigon Bistro, order Vietnamese coffee for dessert Taste the Cochinita Pibil at Talavera Cocina Mexicana Try a seasonal pint at The Bar, make friends with a stranger Have the Smashed Avo and a cold brew coffee for Sunday breakfast at Threefold Café Pop into Rice Mediterranean Kitchen and check out their new digs when the doors open Do the Hula dance when I try the Hawaiian/Asian fusion at PokéBao
www.shopcoralgables.com @ShopCoralGables
Holiday Pa P arti tiies!! Miracle Mile Becomes the Merry Mile at Tarpon Mi COMPANY LUNCHEONS & DINNERS | COCKTAIL PARTIES | DINNER PARTIES CHARITIES | FRATERNAL | SOCIAL CLUBS | FAMILY CELEBRATIONS WE’LL HELP YOU PLAN THE PERFECT PARTY FOR THE HOLIDAYS!
65 MIRACLE MILE | CORAL GABLES | 954-444-3210 | TARPONBENDCORALGABLES.COM
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Whether you are seeking the warmth of a traditional restaurant interior, the bliss of dining al fresco, either formal or casual, or an educational challenge, The Biltmore Hotel takes you on an exceptional culinary journey in a stunning historic setting offering a myriad of award-winning options.
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1 2 0 0 A N A S TA S I A A V E N U E
CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
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Reservations: (855) 998-6387 or www.biltmorehotel.com/lem