There aren't any caviar bars in Coral Gables, but Rachel Dominguez is changing that when on January 28 she opens The Dome Bar and Lounge on Miracle Mile in the heart of The City Beautiful.
Other than The Restaurant in Setai Hotel in Miami Beach, The Dome will be the only caviar bar in Miami-Dade that we know of.
Besides caviar, expect to find executive chef Marsha Orosco cooking Latin American-infused cuisine like guava-glazed Cod breaded in pistachio garlic bread crumb, Cuban sliders and chef's braised beef short ribs with shrimp confit of wild mushrooms for some of their signature dishes.
Salads and appetizers run from $8 to $15, entrees from $21 to $35 and caviar at market prices. Desserts are priced from $5 to $9. The menu emphasizes on bringing as many seasonal, and local, ingredients as possible.
Inspired by her Cuban-Russian heritage and after spending time in Europe and New York City, The Dome owner and Coral Gables resident Rachel Dominguez felt that the time was right to start a caviar bar in the area. "I feel that Coral Gables has enough culture," says Dominguez.
The Dome is also environmentally friendly -- it's only the second restaurant (but the first independent one) in South Florida that is LEED Silver-certified.
LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a third-party verification that a building, home or community was designed and built in accordance with environmentally friendly criteria, such as energy efficiency and materials selection.
Not satisfied with other restaurants claiming to be 'green', Dominguez wanted The Dome to be the real deal. She utilizes recycled building materials, sources her food locally and uses digital displays and LED lights.
All menus are iPads translatable in five different languages. The bar top is made from recycled paper and concrete, and its base and cabinets are made from biodegradable coco palm tree trunks. The place even encourages employees to commute to work using public transportation, carpooling or by bicycle. "The LEED certification really forces you to make a green certified restaurant," says Dominguez.
There will also be a full bar with head mixologist Santiago Merino serving up signature drinks like the Mojito Martini, The Raquelita and The Purple Orchid.
The dining room seats only 40, the bar 11 and a terrace but 2, so reservations are highly recommended.
Follow Short Order on Facebook and Twitter @Short_Order.
