MIAMI (WSVN) - Gloria and Emilio Estefan unveiled their new restaurant venture, and 7News grabbed a plate in Miami’s Design District, Friday.
The Miami Design District, dedicated to combining design, international cuisine, fashion, art and architecture is getting a new addition to the mix.
International superstar duo, Gloria and Emilio Estefan, opened the Estefan Kitchen, which serves up Cuban food in the fanciful neighborhood. “How could you have a Design District without Cuban food?” Gloria said.
The Estefans collaborated for the first time with their longtime friend Craig Robins, who is the CEO and President of Dacra, and dubbed Chef Odell Torres as the head of the kitchen.
“If people have been to our other places, Lario’s on the Beach, Estefan Kitchen Express, Bongos Orlando, then they know that Cuban food has been our fare, but Chef Odell, our executive chef has taken it to a whole new level.”
Several family recipes have been incorporated into the menu from lechón flatbread and lechón crispy moros to vaca frita, braised short ribs and paella.
Chef Odell, however, has brought in some of his preferences from the kitchen. “He’s trying new, interesting things. A lot more seafood, a lot of ceviches ’cause you know, you gotta keep it Miami too,” Gloria said.
If you’re looking for a twist on classic drinks, the bar is the place to be with drinks like the traditional mint mojito, which is garnished with a sliver of sugar cane. “The way we build the bar is inside and outside connecting, so it’s gonna be great because all the views here,” Emilio said.
Gloria said the new restaurant that carries her name has familial value. “It was my grandmother’s dream to have a restaurant when she came from Cuba,” she said, “so she bought her house and made everything work, and I was in the kitchen with her 24/7 helping her out.”
A special proclamation with Miami’s Mayor Tomas Regalado also occurred Friday night. “We just Cubanized the Design District,” Regalado said. “Next to Hermès and Versace, we have roast pork and black beans.”
The power couple ended the night with some advice. “You know something, have fun, just never forget where you come from,” Emilio said. “I think that’s important.”
“And it goes very fast,” Gloria said, “so enjoy every moment that you’re living. Live that moment and enjoy it to the max.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Estefan Kitchen
140 NE 39 Street
Miami, Florida 33137
786-843-3880
http://www.miamidesigndistrict.net/listing/509/estefan-kitchen/
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