If love is blind, it's a serious shame, because that means it can't get a gander at the striking digs of its namesake new eatery in Coral Gables. Walk into Love Is Blind, adjacent to Merrick Park, and you're face-to-face with a glowing panorama of mounted candles, a tulip-topped gramophone, and a vaulted ceiling rimmed with poetic quotes.
The thematic spot is in keeping with owners Carlos Galan and JC Chamizo's stylistic sensibilities: dramatic, unapologetic, sexy. The duo is also behind Dolores But You Can Call Me Lolita and Crazy About You -- and you can see the family resemblance.
Short Order was invited to the newly opened spot for a first bite. Check out what we sampled.
See also:
- Love is Blind Food & Wine Opens in Coral Gables
From tip to toes, the new spot screams sex appeal and affection, from classic quotes adorning ceiling panels and white, flickering candles to bold cast-iron dinnerware and blown glass sculptures.
And while some menu items are reminiscent of their sister restaurants (the famous serrano ham croquettes, for example), others are unique to Love. Like the others, it's set up as a prix fixe, so the three tiers of $17.99, $20.99, and $24.99 include an entrée and choice of appetizer.
We sampled several of the menu offerings, including:
Creamy oyster bisque with a shrimp and prosciutto dumpling -- poured tableside.
Panko-crusted, fire-roasted artichoke chunks with garlic aioli.
Braised steak brasatto with mushroom marsala wine sauce, sitting on a garbanzo mash with a fried egg on top.
Zucchini linguine topped with flaky salmon and a decadent vodka cream sauce.
The über-adorable American Dream dessert ($5.99), is served from a wooden carrier and plated tableside. A brownie, whipped cream, sliced strawberries, chocolate drizzle and chocolate powder -- all to design on your plate as you see fit.
And lastly, the Nutella pizza ($5.99) a crispy crust topped with the hazelnut spread, strawberries and bananas.
Love Is Blind is now open for lunch and dinner at 225 Altara Ave in Coral Gables. Hours are: opening Monday through Friday at 11:30 a.m. and Saturday and Sunday 12 p.m.; closing Sunday through Wednesday at 11 p.m., Thursday at midnight, Friday & Saturday at 1 a.m.
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