Have you walked by the old Sports Exchange location lately? If you frequent Tarpon Bend Raw Bar & Grill (or David's Bridal), you might have already noticed the movement next door. To be located at 45 Miracle Mile, Cibo Wine Bar is tentatively set to open soon -- October 26 to be exact.
The rustic Italian wine bar by Liberty Entertainment Group out of Toronto goes by the following motto: "Prepare for an Old World revolution." Are you ready, Coral Gables? The entertainment group is also responsible for the Liberty Caffe located inside the Coral Gables Country Club, offering casual fare for country-club-goers.
We spoke with Nick Di Donato, Liberty Group's president and CEO, to get the inside scoop on the much-anticipated restaurant.
New Times: What is the reason for opening at this location, and what other locations did you look at before making the final decision?
Nick Di Donato: We looked at several places in Miami, including Miami Beach, downtown Miami, Brickell, and the Design District. First and foremost, we chose Miracle Mile for its beauty. The residential area there is stunning. The location gives us access to both the local community who lives in Miami full-time and the large corporate community found in Coral Gables. It is also still in close proximity to the tourist market for which Miami is so well known. The specific location gives us the opportunity to develop long-term regular customers.
What will the menu include? Can you give us some examples of items that will be featured on the menu?
Headed by executive chef Massimo Giannattasio, Cibo Wine Bar will serve authentic rustic Italian fare with a casual menu featuring traditional Italian classics and modern Italian staples. Stone-oven pizzas and homemade pastas from the various culturally rich regions of Italy will be featured on the menu. Menu highlights include polenta fries, carpaccio, fresh and original salads using arugula and carciofi (artichokes), ravioli, lasagna,
risotto, gnocchi, an expansive pizza list, veal milanese, Chianti-braised short ribs, and a variety of charcuterie and cheeses, plus a whole lot of Italian vino.
What sort of expectations do you have for the restaurant?
We hope to be one of the most prolific restaurants on Miracle Mile and contribute to the growth of Coral Gables as a culinary destination.
Visit Cibo Wine Bar when it opens later next month. In the meantime, check out cibowinebar.com.
Cibo Wine Bar
45 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables
305-442-4925
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