Epicurean delights of Miami

Latino Leaders: The National Magazine of the Successful American Latino, April-May, 2005 by Wendy Pedrero

Miami, Florida, is a city that never sleeps; a place forever associated with party and fun times ... a place where the good life is not just a treat but a whole philosophy. And amidst the hustle and bustle of massive crowds looking for their nightly infusion of excitement in this melting-pot of a town, some very fine establishments do their best to accommodate the creme-de-la-creme portion of the hungry multitude. Latino Leaders asked photographer Elio Escalante to join the crowd and capture, through the vision of his lens, the finest establishments catering to the needs of the most exclusive crowds. The following are those places, and a great sample of his work.

Chef/Owner: Carmen Gonzalez

This cozy and stylish dining room offers an elegant setting for Puerto Rican Chef Carmen Gonzalez to deliver some unique Pan-Latino cuisine. This cuisine is simply a contemporary American fare with a fusion of ingredients and ideas from Latin America and the tropics--especially the chef's native land, Puerto Rico. This in turn translates to extraordinary appetizers such as roasted duck tamale in vintage port sauce, plantain-crusted Key West shrimp cocktail with piquant mango sauce, and, from another world entirely, pan-seared diver scallops atop truffle risotto. All this delicious dining experience, topped with a great wine list, make of Carmen The Restaurant one of the Gable's brightest stars.

What our readers say:

"Amazing! Carmen is a delight. She oozes with exuberance and passes it on to her customers through her outstanding food. I'll definitely go back!

Carmen The Restaurant

700 Biltmore Way

Coral Gables, FL 33134

(305) 913-1944

Chef/Owner: Giancarla Bodoni

Escopazzo which means "crazy" in Italian, has been around for quite a while for a very good reason: The food is outstanding. While the atmosphere in the small, 70-seat restaurant is loud and lively--sometimes even crazy--the dishes are the star of the show. They are prepared exquisitely in traditional Northern Italian style by the restaurant's chef and owner, Bolivian born Giancarla Bodoni.

What our readers say:

"What wonderful experienced! Sublime cuisine, awesome owners and staff who really care that their customers are totally satisfied. The ambiences is perfect, filled with liveliness and romance. We love this restaurant. It is a gem."

Escopazzo

1311 Washington Ave.

Miami Beach, FL 33139

(305) 674-9450

Chef: Edgar Leal

A warm sunshine, colored exterior welcomes you to Cacao Restaurant, where you can enjoy upscale Latin food in a very stylish setting. Once inside, we recommend that you start off is with a sampling of their excellent ceviches. Other favorites include the four citrus sea scallops and the passion fruit grouper ceviche. Their wonderful entrees, prepared to perfection by Venezuelan chef Edgar Leal, include red snapper with herbed islander mojo sauce and classical Peruvian leg of duck with cilantro risotto.

What our readers say:

"I had the good fortune to dine at Cacao for lunch recently and was impressed with the quality, quantity and variety of food. Seafood is the way to go, but there are many exotic choices beyond the norm. Also, the wine list is excellent and the service is as good as you will find in South Florida."

Cacao

141 Giralda Ave.

Coral Gables, FL 33134

(305) 445-1001

Chef/Owner: Romeo Majana

It's hard not to fall in love with Romeo's Cafe, where the cuisine is edible poetry and you are the muse. At Romeo's--an intimate, romantic and elegant restaurant--there is no menu. This restaurant is unique because it allows the diner, to have whatever he or she desires. After settling into one of the cozy tables, Salvadorian Chef Romeo Majana comes over and asks you what you're in the mood for. Then, he custom makes your very own, personalized six-course meal. While it may sound pricey, it's a bargain at about $50 per person. But bring your appetite because you won't want to quit at course three.

What our readers say:

"The six course meal was super delicious. Romeo's food far outshines many fancy New York restaurants. The service was excellent and the price was, again, well below New York's. Bravo, Romeo."

Romeo's Cafe

2257 Coral Way

Coral Gables, FL 33145

(305) 859-2228

Chef: Jordi Valles

Located in the heart of the rapidly evolving Brickell Village, Mosaico features contemporary Spanish cuisine under the direction of its Executive Chef, Spanish born Jordi Valles. Chef Valles along with his team, respects the culinary traditions and methods of Spain, blending them with new techniques and technology along with the finest, freshest ingredients resulting in a refined style that explodes on the palate. The cuisine at Mosaico bursts with creativity and outrageously bold flavors.

What our readers say:

"From when we first walked in that evening, a celebration of European food and magnificent service surrounded us. Anyone visiting Miami must make a stop there, It's something you'll be talking about for years."

Mosaico

1000 S. Miami Ave.

Miami, FL 33130

(305) 371-3473

Owner: Diego Lozano

An upscale, festive ambience framed by live piano music sets the mood in this lovely eatery established by Diego Lozano, a native of Spain. Top quality ingredients include imported cheeses, sausages and Serrano ham, sliced right at your table by elegantly clad waiters. The large menu includes such specialties as garlic soup, fresh Sardines, snapper baked in rock salt, baby lamb cooked in a wood-fired oven and their signature dish: paellas. To complement your meals, you can choose from a fine selection of Spanish Sherries.