Cvltvra has recently opened at the ME by Melia hotel in the heart of Miami's Arts and Entertainment District with easy access to American Airlines Arena. We were invited to a lively and energetic kick off evening of sip, savor, and music on Wednesday, Dec. 5.
Restaurant interior.
Cvltvra is the creation of Argentine-born Michelin starred chef/partner Sebastian La Rocca. His celebration of food was launched at his grandmother’s side as a child. La Rocca has been named among the top 20 most influential chefs in South America.Residing in Costa Rica, he hosts the television cooking program, "Sabores."
He has worked alongside Jamie Oliver as executive chef at Barbecoa in London, at the Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo, and at Club Europeo in Buenos Aires.
Crafted cocktails.
La Rocca’s concept for Cvltvra is described as a “cocina de mercado” translated as market kitchen. He combines ingredients from Latin America with techniques reflecting Mediterranean cuisine creating a fusion of flavors.Ingredients are sourced from local and artisanal vendors, when possible, with a dedication to the regional economy and fair trade practices. La Rocca's chef Fabian Di Paolo has been elevated here to serve as executive chef. Di Paolo has an impressive resume which includes working with Jean-Georges Vongerichten at the W Hotel in Washington, D.C.
Guests of Cvltvra experience meze-style dining where one curates a meal from several dishes to share at the table. The menu is divided into Nibbles, Vegetales, Del Mar, Carnitas, side dishes, and Dulces. Omnivores will love a nod to La Rocca’s grandmother’s Pork Milanesa with tomato, avocado, radishes, cilantro, and jalapeño, which the chef describes as a comfort food classic.
The industry evening offered three crafted cocktails alongside wine choices and Prosecco.
Passed samplings showcased a runway of items executing the kitchen’s innovation in an array of color, texture, and abundant flavor.
LEFT: Blue corn nachos with guacamole and cotija cheese. RIGHT: Crispy chicharron with habanero sweet chili sauce.
LEFT: Roasted butternut squash soup. RIGHT: Arancini with Caribbean rice and bean.
LEFT: Conch ceviche with tomato tiger milk, grilled heart of palm and red onion. RIGHT: King crab, chilled lettuce soup, heirloom tomatoes, shallots and cucumber.
A freestanding tequila station allowed guests to pick from a spice case to rim their glass. I chose a tobacco varietal giving my shot a unique and rich smokiness. A non-alcoholic coconut water station offered a visual pop with a coconut shell as the vessel.
Born of the international travels of Sebastian La Rocca, Cvltvra aims to translate his mission.
Cvltvra is located at 1100 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, FL 33132
Call 305-808-3507
Reservations taken by phone, on website, and Open Table
Hours:
- Monday --Wednesday 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Thursday - Saturday 7 a.m. to 12 a.m.
- Sunday 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
