For the last three years, Ariete has excelled as one of Coconut Grove’s most exciting restaurants. Led by chef Michael Beltran, the new American menu incorporates ingenuity with good ol’ fashion flavor—and a sprinkle of Cuban influences. It’s the sort of place this city needs more of.
But we’re not here to talk about Ariete. So perhaps you’re wondering why we’re talking about Ariete? Well, confused reader, that’s because the restaurant is opening up a new sister restaurant right down the street, a Cuban diner called Chug’s (3444 Main Highway, Coconut Grove). Set to open in April, Chug’s aims to be a diner for the people, with affordable price points and familiar dishes.
Beltran is bringing his culinary talents to the Chug’s menu as well, which will feature all-day breakfast plates including Abuela’s Breakfast (white rice, fried egg, black beans and maduros), cast iron pancakes, French toast sticks and even good ol’ fashion cereal and milk. Ariete’s popular frita will also be appearing at Chug’s in three different versions: the classic, Pop’s (with blue cheese and caramelized onion) and the breakfast frita (ham and a fried egg).
Beltran’s sous chef Giovanni Fesser (AKA the Pastelito Papi) will be creating some of his signature pastelitos (like the magnificent PB&J pastelito) and—even though Chug’s will be a working-class kind of establishment—you can expect some ambitious items like the duck medianoche and cajeta and goat cheese flan.
It all sounds about as delicious as you’d expect from one of Miami’s most promising culinary talents (who will also be coming to Time Out Market Miami soon). Is it April yet?
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