Chef Niven Patel, renowned for his inventive culinary skills, recently unveiled his latest gastronomic venture, Erba, in Coral Gables last month. This Italian eatery, nestled on South Dixie Highway, is a stone's throw from Patel's other acclaimed restaurants - the Michelin-recognized Orno and the vibrant Mamey, both located at the Thesis Hotel. Erba is a collaboration between Patel and his business partner Mohamed Alkassar under the Alpareno Restaurant Group banner, known for their commitment to local flavors and fresh produce.
Erba's menu is a celebration of Italian cuisine, subtly interwoven with the essence of South Florida. Notable for its creative reinterpretations, the menu features dishes like linguine al vongole reimagined with Bahamian conch, and a unique tiramisu infused with espresso and rum, paying homage to Miami's Latin heritage. Patel, a four-time James Beard Award nominee and one of Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs in 2020, brings his farm-to-table philosophy from his Homestead farm, Rancho Patel, to the heart of Coral Gables.
The restaurant offers an extensive array of dishes, ranging from fresh handcrafted pasta to meat and seafood delights. Signature dishes include spaghetti alla chitarra with locally sourced tomatoes and first-harvest olive oil, gnocchi adorned with Key West pink shrimp, and a lumache preparation featuring confit rabbit. For an exclusive dining experience, Erba also hosts an eight-course chef's table, offering an intimate culinary journey.
Reflecting Patel's ingredient-centric approach, Erba (Italian for "herb") blends Italian culinary techniques with local Floridian ingredients, such as hearts of palm and Florida avocado. This innovative fusion is evident in dishes like Roman hearts of palm and mafaldine with Bahamian conch. The restaurant's commitment to sustainability is further showcased through its sourcing practices, primarily from Patel’s own farm, which employs eco-friendly agricultural methods.
Erba also boasts an impressive Italian wine selection, curated by Kirsta Grauberger of Alpareno Restaurant Group. The beverage offerings are complemented by artisanal cocktails, crafted in collaboration with renowned mixologist Scott Beattie.
The restaurant's ambiance is as eclectic and vibrant as its menu. Designed by Saladino Design Studio, it features a blend of Old World charm and modern aesthetics, with a decor theme that emphasizes ‘love’ and ‘connection’. The interior, with its cupid-centric wallpaper and bold colors, sets a warm and inviting atmosphere, further enhanced by carefully selected music.
Finally, Erba offers one of the best happy hour deals in town, alongside the luxurious eight-course Chef’s Table experience. It can accommodate up to 150 guests across its diverse seating areas, including a private section for special occasions. The restaurant has quickly become a beloved part of the Coral Gables culinary scene, with Alpareno Restaurant Group eager to continue their expansion and foster community connections.
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