Have you ever walked through Whole Foods and thought, "I really need a drink"? Maybe that feeling comes while perusing their extensive wine selection. Perhaps it hits when your shopping companion won't stop complaining about that awesome soccer match he's missing at home. Well now, there's a spot where you can grab a glass of wine to sip while browsing, send your nagging partner to sit and watch the game while you shop, or simply pop a squat yourself to enjoy the new venue's killer eats and libations any time of day.
Whole Foods Coral Gables' Tapas y Taps is the first of its kind. While other Whole Foods stores have bars serving wine and beer, none serve tapas because, well, none are in Miami.
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With an opening in sync with the start of the World Cup, you can bet Tapas y Taps has become a favorite of nearby workers who step out for lunch coincidentally at the same time as afternoon games. While that tourney will soon be done, the big screen TV will always be showing something. On our particular visit, Travel Channel's Man v. Food was the chosen program.
The standard menu offers Spanish favorites like paella valenciana, tortilla espanola, caldo gallego and albondigas en salsa. You'll also find some not-so-traditional bites like black truffle fries, arroz con pollo, and pinchos using feta and brie. Prices range from $2 for an empanada to $10 for dishes like gambas ajillo.
Specials will change as time goes on. Currently you can score black truffle macaroni made with manchego cheese and a glass of Spanish red wine, Juan Gil Monastrell, for $10. The small ramekin might not seem like a lot, but this rich treat will leave you full and happy.
To sip, they offer an extensive wine list, mostly Spanish wines but others you'll find for sale in the store. When it comes to beer, their taps feature microbreweries ranging from local favorites like Funky Buddha, Cigar City, and Wynwood Brewery, to some specialty pours like Peak Organic Brewery based out of Portland, California's Sierra Nevada, and Founders from Michigan.
If you're not in the mood for tapas but want some booze with your favorite sushi or pizza, you can grab food from around the store and they'll serve it to you within the Tapas y Taps venue. On the other hand, if you just want a drink to maybe get tipsy while you shop, you can get your wine or beer in a portable glass to carry around with you.
You may have never thought of Whole Foods as a spot to get your drink on, but after experiencing Tapas y Taps once, you'll realize what a welcome addition this new venue really is.
Connect with Cassie Glenn on Twitter @cassieinmiami.
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