Quick Bites Tips
Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
The Challah French toast ($15) at Bachour is a fruit-slash-sweets lover’s paradise, with globs of mascarpone cream cheese mousse, fresh berries, and jam stacked on top of a buttery soft piece of Challah toast. Lightly sprinkled with powdered sugar and a generous helping of maple syrup on the side, this is a picture-perfect dish worthy of any Instagram. 2020 Salzedo St. 305.203.0552 – antoniobachour.com
Bravo for Bravas
Bulla’s tapas are likely the most popular in Coral Gables – and for good reason. The small plates section of the menu is expansive. But we’ll always go for the patatas bravas ($8.50), which are perfect to share without getting messy and surprisingly filling for a dish under $10. The crispy potato cubes are drizzled with a spicy brava sauce as well as a subtle garlic aioli, making for a salty, delightful combination of flavors. 2500 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 786.810.6215 – bullagastrobar.com
Return of the Mac
Ecléctico has a huge menu, including 15 different kinds of tacos, but the Return of The Mac ($16) is one of the most – forgive us – eclectic. Two purple five-inch corn tortillas wrap around a fried ball of mac and cheese, which is then garnished with truffle crema, gouda cream, jalapeño, and micro cilantro. Not exactly our best recommendation for a first date, but if you’re comfortable with your partner don’t be afraid to go for the big bite. 320 San Lorenzo Ave. (Shops at Merrick Park) 786.615.5735 – eclecticomiami.com
Nacho Regular Huevos
Bay 13 may not seem like a go-to brunch spot, but its weekend menu, available from 10 am to 5 pm, is the brewery’s best offering – besides its beer, of course. The baked ranchero eggs ($15) with chorizo, cheese, parsley, and a sunny side up egg over a bed of crispy tortilla strips are the highlight of the brunch menu. They’re basically breakfast nachos, but hey, who doesn’t love that combination? 65 Alhambra Plaza. 786.452.0935 – bay13brewery.com
Tiramisu for You
With the proliferation of Italian restaurants in Coral Gables, Opera Italian Restaurant is often forgotten. It’s not as upscale as Zucca or Caffe Abbracci, but that may not count when it comes to its tiramisu dessert ($10), served in a coffee cup and so delicious you could drink it. The recipe is the same as any other tiramisu (ladyfinger biscuits, espresso, mascarpone cream, chocolate), but this little cup is enchantingly soft and creamy, a real delicacy. 130 Miracle Mile. 786.391.1276 – operarestaurantmiami