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Fabulous Friday – Pastry Bites

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Heaven knows this writer loves doughnuts, bombolini, beignets, churros, any facsimile as you know by now. Buttercream cupcakes and traditional American layer cakes are a close second and third. But now there’s a new dessert vying for top honors thanks to Mari Angeles Rubio of Casa Gioia .

Mari has a truly artisanal bakery.The staff is a party of three – including her mother and aunt. Her passion is to “create a unique and sensational product that makes people want to come for more”. And once they try her tropical flavored “bites” and tarts, nutella filled chocolate chip cookies, and polvorones with a guava center, they’ll be hooked as was I.

I found out about Mari from another member of Les Dames d’Escoffier as at this point, Casa Gioia is all about word of mouth. She works out of a rented kitchen space in Doral not far from Costco. Mr W and I went to observe and photograph the pastry star to be in action, seeing what goes into her delectable desserts. I just wish the computer would have an aroma counter so you could enjoy the smells coming out of that oven.

While at work she served us rich, strong coffee from the Dominican Republic – her place of birth – and a moist, homemade zucchini bread. She said she has one client who eats the entire loaf at a seating. Her signature item are the bites, small squares of buttery shortbread crust filled with everything from macadamia nuts, dulce de leche and toasted coconut to lemon, orange made with real orange juice and orange zest and pineapple upside down. All fillings are made from scratch so the flavors are deep, rich and authentic. The bites crust and fillings are also made into 9 inch tarts.

The other beauty of this dessert is that, as with the finest dark chocolate squares or anything wonderful, the taste is so satisfying that one bite is enough to satisfy. Another specialty are the chocolate chip cookies with nutella center. The key she said is to add a touch of salt that makes the chocolate pop as indeed it did. The recommended serving? With vanilla ice cream but first heat them in a microwave for 10 seconds.

Also on the pastry menu are brownies, cinnamon swirl bundt and various fruit breads.

A lover of innovation, she’s always dreaming up new flavors and taste sensations. Next in line are a passion fruit cheesecake with almond praline and a passion fruit flan.

Bites are sold in boxes of 6 for $12 or a box of 12 for $24 plus tax. They come in a handsome box with a ribbon tie so would make a lovely hostess gift. Other baked goods range in price from $5 to $25. She also does large orders for weddings and her mother happens to be a wedding designer.Delivery charge is $15.

To order call 786-282-0447,

 

Karen Escalera

Karen Escalera

3 Responses

  1. Try Rico Bakery . SW 22nd Avenue & 5th Street (dicey Strip Mall)
    They have great French Pastries very well priced !

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