By: Robert Lovi By: Robert Lovi | December 12, 2022 | Food & Drink,
After nearly a year and a half hiatus, Eating House reopened to a packed house last weekend on Giralda Plaza in Coral Gables. For months, the restaurant had been quietly preparing the opening of its latest iteration while many fans anxiously awaited.
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Chef Giorgio Rapicavoli and partners Alexander Casanova and Laura Faraci continue to push the boundaries of menu creation with an ever-changing, eclectic selection of small plates and entrees, as well as a full liquor bar, ample seating, and modern industrial design. In 2012, Rapicavoli's adored Gables staple Eating House became a permanent fixture in Miami's evolving culinary scene. The second installment of Rapicavoli's popular Gables staple, Eating House, is sure to quickly become a go-to spot for locals for its relaxed ambiance and menu centered on upscale comfort food.
"These changes represent the evolution of Eating House," said Rapicavoli. "We've grown up over the last decade, and we wanted our new menu and space to reflect that."
Eating House continues to emphasize traditional culinary influences while ingeniously incorporating locally and regionally sourced ingredients. Guests can look forward to various new appetizers, including Yellowfin Tuna Crudo with egg yolk, sunchokes, and black truffle leche de tigre. Crispy potatoes topped with whipped gruyere, 'French' onions, and pepper Chilled Sweet Potatoes - cilantro 'aguachile,' jalapeno, and spiced cashews, Brussels Sprouts - cooked and raw, miso 'Caesar' and Parmigiano Reggiano, Wagyu Beef Carpaccio - yuzu, Parmigiano Reggiano, artichoke, dry miso, and, of course, an E.H. original, Heirloom Tomatoes.
Larger plates consist of five dishes featuring Amish Chicken' Two Ways' – grilled breast, fried thigh, and carrot, Cavatelli' Carbonara' – egg yolk, heritage bacon, black truffle, and 'carbon' breadcrumbs, Sea Scallops – coconut creamed corn, banana curry, and black lime, Halibut - Jerusalem artichoke, vanilla bean 'au poivre' and caviar and Wagyu Denver Steak – onion soubise, confit onion, and burnt onion caramel.
Sweet plates include a grown-up version of the infamous Dirt Cup - candied hazelnut, dark chocolate, hazelnut ice cream and gianduja, Potato' Beignets' – Cry Baby vanilla ice cream, vanilla caramel, vanilla salt, and E.H. Mess – whipped yuzu curd, nata de coco, passion fruit sorbet, and meringue.
Eating House's experience is rounded out by an impressive wine, cocktail, and beer program. Some of the specialty cocktails include E.H. Old Fashioned - Angel's Envy bourbon, Cap'n Crunch, rye, strawberry and vanilla, Nerdy - Arette tequila, ancho Reyes, Aperol, lime, grapefruit, spicy salt, Nerdy - Arette tequila, ancho Reyes, Aperol, lime, grapefruit, spicy salt, Bombay Sapphire gin, Strega, Giffard grapefruit, absinthe, rosemary, and Josefina - cream cheese washed 100-proof bourbon, guava cordial, salt, and lime.
"Our Giralda location is fresh – a blend of classic and new — from the menu to the vibe," said Faraci. "We are excited to share this next chapter with our fans that have been waiting patiently, as well as introduce newcomers to the E.H. experience."
The restaurant chose Miami-based design firm Locus Architecture to bring its vision for the 3,300-square-foot space to life. The new location, which is much larger than the original, includes a private dining room off the main dining area that can accommodate up to 25 seated guests and is cleverly hidden behind expansive glass doors so that onlookers can enjoy the fun from afar.
When you walk in, there is an L-shaped bar with 15 seats and a dining area with 164 seats. White walls, warm lighting, and lofty ceilings in an open space punctuated by black tables, chairs, and mirrors create a unique and exciting sense of being somewhere else. The aesthetic draws guests in from the bustling pedestrian walkway of Giralda Plaza in Coral Gables, and the food and beverage program keeps them in those posh seats.
"We're thrilled to welcome back our loyal guests and eager to invite new patrons to come see us," stated Casanova. "We appreciate the Miami community, and we're so grateful for the continued love and support.
Chef Giorgio Rapicavoli, born and raised in Miami, has dedicated his career to championing The Magic City's culinary scene and infusing his Argentine and Italian heritage into the city's rich melting pot of food and culture. He is the first Miami contestant to win Food Network's Chopped, which led to the establishment of Eating House's pop-up restaurant. Rapicavoli reopened the same concept as a standalone restaurant in 2012, to widespread critical acclaim, after quickly becoming one of the city's most sought-after dining experiences. Luca Osteria, named after his four-year-old son, is set to open in February 2021 on Giralda Avenue's 'Restaurant Row' in Coral Gables.
Eating House is located at 128 Giralda Avenue in Coral Gables, steps away from its sister restaurant, Luca Osteria. For reservations or more information, visit the website.
Photography by: Courtesy of Eating House, Fujifilm Girl