Former Cafe 72 Chef Launches Burgers at Mayor's Cafe in Miami Lakes

Miami's ever-evolving culinary landscape over the last few decades has made supporting landmark restaurants more critical than ever before. As a local food writer known as Burger Beast since 2008 and now a New Times contributor, I've made it my mission to share the history of institutions, local restaurants, and the people behind them.

In this case, New Times readers, let me reintroduce you to Chef Frankie Zerquera.

Gigi, Boss Burger, and Cafe 72 Fans Rejoice!

Before the pandemic, Cafe 72 was a regular dining stop for hungry Miami Lakes residents in the suburbs.

Chef Zerquera, known for his time at Gigi in Midtown and later at Boss Burger in Miami Lakes, was a familiar face to diners with his stick-to-your-guts, munchies-inspired grub.

Unfortunately, Cafe 72 became one of the pandemic's earliest comfort-food casualties. After the closure, Frankie briefly worked as the regional director of operations for Reef Kitchens while recording a YouTube series called La Jama. On the show, he and his buddy Sofla would visit South Florida restaurants to soak up local culture, talk about food, hear Sofla's dad jokes, and show off his cooking chops.

However, Mr. Majestyk was primed for a comeback. (Your eyes are not deceiving you; that's an obscure reference to a 1970s Charlie Bronson film... I'm a history guy, after all.)

Mr. Majestyk Returns

Chef Frankie has returned, serving his late-night, crave-able creations exclusively on Fridays and Saturdays from 5 to 10 p.m. at Mayor's Cafe in Miami Lakes. The menu features six burgers, three chicken sandwiches, a bacon egg and cheese bagel, and Mayor's French toast.

A couple of must-eats are Frankie's take on chicken and waffles, the "French Poulet," made with boneless fried chicken, French toast, and maple syrup (regular or spicy). If savory is more of your thing, the fried chicken sandwich is a solid option made with bacon and housemade honey mustard.

Another one of my recommendations is the "Guajiro Burger," made with two smash patties, caramelized onions, mushrooms, bacon, and barbecue sauce. (It's an explosion of flavors between two brioche buns. A lot is going on there, but when you're hungry, the more is, sometimes, the merrier.)

Fingers are tightly crossed for his famed egg yolk colada and award-winning "Samurai Chicken Tenders" with the addictive sweet chili sauce to make a menu appearance.

When I asked Frankie for a quote, he went old school: "Relax, I'm back!" If Frankie says relax, who am I to disagree? I'm just here for the food.

Chef Frankie Zerquera Burgers and Sandwiches at Mayor's Cafe. 15478 NW 77th Ct., Miami Lakes; 786-907-4173; mayorscafemiamilakes.com. Friday and Saturday 5 to 10 p.m.