New Restaurants in Coral Gables: Casa Terra and Bagel Emporium
|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Casa Terra
The Wholesome Breakfast Bowl at Casa Terra
Walking into Casa Terra, there’s a sense of familiarity. That’s because the restaurant has taken over the former L’Artisane Bakery space, keeping its vegan options while shifting toward a Mediterranean-inspired menu. One difference is the raised wooden shelving that separates the dining area into two spaces, while maintaining open sightlines. Seating on the right side is mostly tables for two. On the left, the seating is better suited for larger parties, with a curved caramel-brown leather banquette running along the wall.
Casa Terra offers breakfast all day, along with a lunch menu. Like many people with New Year’s resolutions still fresh, we wanted to explore healthier alternatives, and the menu reflects that, with wholesome breakfast bowls starting at $14.75 and brunch favorites that include quiches and sourdough pancakes. We built our own omelet for $14.25, choosing from standard veggie, cheese, and protein options. Ours was a combination of ricotta cheese, bacon, and confit tomato, served with a side of sweet potato hash. We also tried one of their breakfast specials: an açaí bowl topped with almond butter, diced papaya, mango, pineapple, and coconut flakes. To close out our visit, we ordered the caramel cappuccino ($5). It leans more bitter than sweet, so those who prefer a softer coffee may want to add sugar. – Amanda Martell
2526 PONCE DE LEON BLVD
786.502.8595
EATCASATERRA.COM
Bagel Emporium and Grill
Bagel Emporium has always percolated authenticity, a true Jewish deli that has long been rated the best place in Miami for bagels and sandwiches. Where else could you go for a pastrami on rye with a sour pickle on the side, or a sesame bagel with lox and cream cheese? For exiles from New York, the Bagel Emporium was an oasis for the homesick, an institution since 1975. Now the Emporium has relocated to the up-and-coming Merrick Park district, in a new open space that’s a far cry from the narrow strip mall venue of the past. A geometric tile floor, leather booths, and colorful paintings of bagels still give it a homey feel, while longtime favorites for breakfast, lunch, and dinner remain menu mainstays.
We stopped by during lunch and, since we’re already familiar with the quality of the bagels, ordered a latte ($6) and The Original Cheeseburger ($18). It’s a customer favorite, oversized and built with lettuce, tomato, and melted cheddar cheese – nothing fancy here, folks, just old-fashioned quality. The same goes for their BLT sandwich ($14), un-adulterated bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayo on rye, white or whole wheat. We added sweet potato fries for an additional $1.99, but it was ample enough by itself. Happy with our lunch of comfort food, we took the leftovers home, along with a recommendation for the grilled chicken Caesar wrap. Next time. – Amanda Martell
225 ALTARA AVE
305.306.0793
BAGELSHOPMIAMI.COM