MC Kitchen has brought its fast-casual concept to Miami Beach with the opening of Mercato Sunset from MC Kitchen owner Brandi Coletta.

Coletta, the second half of the "MC" in the Design District restaurant's name, has taken over full operations of the MC Kitchen brand after chef/partner Dena Marino left about two years ago. Victor Toro has been in charge of the kitchen since January 2017. Chef Toro has been with MC Kitchen since July 2013, where he worked alongside Marino. He is also charged with the menu at both the original Mercato and the new location.

As of yesterday, Mercato Sunset is up and running, and it will operate daily. Located inside the former Kahwa Coffee spot, the 700-square-foot shop offers indoor seating and a patio that faces Island View Park, adjacent to the Miami Beach Marina and Sunset Harbour Yacht Club.

The Mercato concept debuted inside MC Kitchen in the Design District in 2014. Coletta describes the new outpost as a more relaxed version of the original, a cross between a boutique shop and a café catering to locals in the neighborhood.

"As a Miami Beach resident, I personally felt the need for something like Mercato," Coletta says. "It's a place where neighbors can meet for a coffee and watch the sunset or grab homemade sweet and savory items to take home for later."

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Alexandria Guerra

Items include a variety of fresh-baked goods such as baguettes ($5), muffins ($4), vegan and gluten-free cookies ($4.50), and brownies ($5) to pair with Lavazza coffee options like Americanos ($3.80), brewed coffee ($3), double espressos ($3.40), and iced lattes ($4.75). The list of presatta — pressed sandwiches made to order — includes Nonna's pork and beef meatball parma with melted mozzarella, basil, and tomato sauce on a sub roll ($13); applewood-smoked chicken with mustard dressing, wild greens, sliced tomato, and fontina cheese served on button bread ($14); and baked honey ham with artisan lettuce, provolone, tomato, and mustard aioli on a demi ciabatta ($13).

There's also a rotating assortment of salads such as grilled skirt steak with wild greens, fennel, heirloom orange cherry tomatoes, blue cheese, and balsamic vinaigrette ($15) and a caesar with romaine, torn croutons, and creamy garlic dressing ($9).

Mercato carries a selection of gourmet items including Serious Cow yogurt; strawberries from Paradise Farms; sea salt, vinegar, and duck fat caramels from Olive & Sinclair; and granola the owner adores from Wyoming's Persephone Bakery.

A selection of wine and beer is also available. Fridays, the spot hosts happy hour and offers a family-style meal for two — including bread, salad, pasta, and a bottle of wine — for less than $60.

Mercato Sunset. 1701 Purdy Ave., Miami Beach; mckitchenmiami.com. Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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