So many “goodies” this month in Eating News Miami April 2021, I’m not even going to attempt to summarize them in this intro. Just have a look. You won’t want to miss this!

Light Bites:

 Nicky Jam, regaetton star, has opened La Industria Bakery in Bayside marketplace. Dishes include his faves including Nutella French toast and Arepa stuffed with shredded chicken and Gouda cheese. For more, check his instagram page.……Coral Gables institution John Martin’s will be back this fall, with new owners and a new look.

More eating news Miami April 2021 — A pizza and pasta place, The Coral House, 1762 Coral Way, offers a $10 pizza or pasta on Monday nights. There’s a choice of about a dozen pizzas and four pastas.  You can be sure of quality as the people behind it are from Toscano Divino…April 24 is the opening date for Delray Beach Market, Florida’s largest food hall ($60 million dollar project,  150,000 square feet, four stories tall). Look for my upcoming review…Chef Michele Bernstein’s Cafe La Trova  in Little Havana has refashioned its second bar in the back of the restaurant. 80’s 305 Bar opens at midnight on Fridays and Saturdays  with an 80’s inspired menu of cocktails and late-night bites.

Cafe La Trova Review

David’s Cafecito, a SoBe “go to” place for coffee closed last summer when COVID hit. Rejoice you Beach coffee lovers! The Shelborne hotel, 1801 Collins Avenue, recently relaunched David’s Cafecito and  Sweet Beach, from Sweet Liberty, as popups. Kudos to the hotel for supporting local small businesses by giving them a new venue to operate safely with ample space and outdoor seating. Both David’s Cafecito and Sweet Beach pop ups will run through the summer. I

A robot delivering your food? You may find your next delivery from your favorite food app will come from a robot. Recently Miami-based startup REEF has joined forces with robotic startup Cartken to launch the city’s first self-driving delivery robots. The robots are delivering orders from REEF’s network of delivery-only restaurant brands (or commonly referred to as “ghost kitchens”) in the Downtown Miami area first, with plans to expand to other neighborhoods in the next few weeks.

Tired of the same old, same old snacks? Looking for a gift for a serious snacker? Here’s something cool –– a subscription snack box that takes snacks from all over the world and delivers them to your doorstep. In addition, they are available to give as a one time gift. Called MunchPak, their selections include Pizzarito Doritos from South Africa, Twix Winter Spice from the UK, and Maynards Sour Cherry Blasters, exclusive to Canada! Pricing: Starts at $9.95/month or $16.95 for a one time gift . Where to Buy: www.munchpak.com

New Miami Beach brunch spot, Time Out Market Miami, right off of Lincoln Road, now has a bottomless brunch that features unlimited bellinis, mimosas or prosecco for $22. The special runs every Sunday from 11 to 3 and the best part – no time limit. There are a number of new eateries in this food hall but the Escalera favorite is La Santa Taqueria, real Mexican food, and the tortillas are the best.

Another farmers market to add to your list, and this one with entertainment. Miami Design District has teamed up with Florida Fresh Markets to bring unique local businesses and live entertainment together for the Miami community to enjoy, EVERY SUNDAY, with: ‘The Market at Miami Design District.’ With a diverse and lively group of local vendors, guests can look forward to a wide selection of locally sourced produce, culturally influenced food, freshly made juices, sweet and savory baked goods, and one-of-a-kind hand-made creations, all located at the Jungle Plaza in Miami Design District.

On my radar screen of some of the new restaurants I want to try: Uchi Miami (have to reserve well in advance and I mean well in advance), Momosan, Osteria Morini, Cote, Itamae in Miami and Swifty’s at The Colony Hotel in Palm Beach. Haven’t made it yet to Boia De. Have you been to any of these places  yet? Love to hear your feedback.

The popular Little River destination The Citadel is now offering dining at its rooftop hot spot with live music. Table service is by reservation only through Resy.com – https://resy.com/cities/mia/the-citadel?date=2021-04-14&seats=2. You are also directed there once you hit the homepage – https://thecitadelmiami.com You can choose dishes from any of the varied cuisines in the downstairs food hall. My best bet is on Lil’ Laos that has two of my best dishes of 2020  and new additions I can’t wait to try. The rooftop is open 4 pm – 10 pm W-Fr, and Saturday-Sunday for brunch from 12-4 pm and dinner 4 pm – 10 pm.

The Citadel Miami: Rooftop Lounge, 10 Eateries, Sustainable Fashion and Beauty Market

Finally, for eating news Miami April 2021 –Mamey Miami in the Thesis Hotel in Coral Gables is one of my newest “go to” places for lunch or dinner. It’s the latest creation of Chef Niven Patel, best known for his Indian restaurants. Inspired by Chef Patel’s travels throughout Asia, Polynesia and the Caribbean, the restaurant showcases the exotic flavors and spices commonly found in the islands with ingredients sourced directly from Chef’s own Rancho Patel.My favorite dishes are a delicious mushroom summer roll with pickled vegetables and the local wahoo ceviche. Tuna tostones are also a favorite. There’s a spacious outdoor courtyard and tropical inspired indoor area.

Always wanted to go to the Kentucky Derby ( it’s May 1)? Here’s a way to have some of the experience at home complete with a special menu and a mint julep recipe specially created for Miami . Woodford Reserve the Presenting Sponsor of the Kentucky Derby has all the F&B needs for your at-home celebrations. They’ve  partnered with WeFeast to create the ultimate Derby meal kit to pair with your cocktails. Featuring a spin on traditional Kentucky favorites like a Hot Brown Sandwich, and more. With nationwide shipping, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Jaques Pépin Foundation.

Woodford Reserve’s Brand Ambassadors, including Miami Ambassador Natalia Cardenas, has created  the Miami Mint Julep. Woodford Reserve will also be donating to local United States Bartenders Guild chapters to support bartenders affected by the pandemic.

Recipe: Miami Mint Julep

2 oz Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon

.5 oz Chinola Passionfruit Liqueur

1 tsp rich (2:1) Simple Syrup

Bunch of Mint

Directions: Add 2 oz WR Bourbon, ½ oz Chinola with a bar spoon of rich (2:1) simple syrup and a healthy bunch of mint leaves (8-10). Fill the julep cup halfway with crushed ice. Swizzle or stir to incorporate the ingredients until the julep cup starts to frost. Add more crushed ice and then garnish with a few edible flowers and a fresh sprig of mint.