A Brew on The Mile, Perú on Giralda
Alto Tostado Coffee Roasters
Located on Miracle Mile near the intersection with Le Jeune Road, Alto Tostado is the latest entry for fans of cappuccinos. That, at least, is our favorite. The menu offers a range of coffees, from espressos and lattes to drip coffee. We stopped by for a free-pour figurative-art cappuccino and chose the seahorse design to put the barista’s skills to the test. They did not disappoint. Each cappuccino is also served with a small brownie, adding a touch of sweetness.
If you prefer iced coffee, Alto also offers a selection of iced lattes and cold brews, priced from $6.50 for a 16-ounce drink to $7.50 for a 24-ounce. To go along with our cappuccinos, we ordered the ham and cheese croissant ($8.95). Flaky to the bite, it remained simple and paired well with our drink. The shop also features a small merchandise corner with coffee beans, including their house blend and a whole-bean dark roast priced at $55. Other items include filter drip coffeemakers, tote bags, and mugs. The interior is minimal, with a couple small tables on the right-hand side as you walk in. It leans more toward grab-and-go, though we appreciate having the option to sit down and enjoy something to eat.
One nice touch is that breakfast is served all day, making it a convenient option for a quick bite for those shopping the Mile later in the day. As for us, we’re looking forward to exploring the brunch menu – because what goes better with coffee than avocado toast? – Amanda Martell
374 MIRACLE MILE
786.907.4753
ALTOTOSTADO.COM
Aromas del Perú
Most diners think of Peruvian food as synonymous with ceviche, but its cuisine is one of the richest in Latin America, something which Aromas del Perú brings to gustatory life. This family-run chain (six South Florida locations) has been located on Ponce just north of Navarre since 2011, but has now moved to a far more prominent (and accessible) location on Giralda Plaza. We recently stopped by for lunch and discovered the same extraordinary menu in a sleek and modern setting, the former home of Osumi Cocktail and Sushi Bar. Here you can sit outside under an umbrella, inside at comfortable table seating, or at the bar, always a good option if you’re dining alone.
The menu has all the variety of Peruvian dishes that Aromas is known for, from their fried-rice chaufas to their aji de gallina, a classic Peruvian comfort stew of shredded chicken in a creamy yellow sauce made from aji amarillo peppers, milk, nuts, and cheese. We started with the Ceviche “Cholo Power” ($29), a citrusy seafood mix of classic leche de tigre broth with yellow peppers, shrimp, calamari squid, and thin slices of corvina. We asked for medium spice, but next time it will be much hotter. We followed that by leaving our comfort zone and going for one of their authentic signature plates, the savory goat Seco de Cabrito stew ($29). The goat meat was tender, and the broth was flavorful. Like the rest of their menu, it gets a five-star rating from us. – Luke Chaney
110–112 GIRALDA AVE.
305.476.5885
AROMASPERU.COM