Michelin-Famed Miami Café Showcased on Good Morning America

Something special is brewing in Miami this week, and for once, it's not just delicious Cuban cafecito. As ABC officially launches its brand-new channel, ABC Miami 18, following the merger with local favorite WSVN, the network has brought along one of its biggest stars to help kick things off: the legendary Sam Champion, Good Morning America's beloved weather anchor. And where better to film a segment during the inaugural week than at one of Miami's most cherished Cuban cafés?

This morning, Tuesday, August 5, Sam Champion joined me, New Times' Food Editor Nicole Lopez-Alvar, at Tinta y Café in Coral Gables. This family-run gem has earned Michelin Guide recognition in 2025 for good reason, and has also won two New Times' Best of Miami Awards: Best Breakfast 2025 and Best Tostada 2024. From the café's velvety and strong café con leche to their pressed Cuban sandwiches like the medianoche, everything here tastes like a true representation of Miami and its people, which is exactly why Good Morning America gave it a visit this morning. 

Tinta Truly Represents The Soul and Community of Miami

"You know, we truly think of Good Morning America as 'Good Morning in America.' So, we try to get out into neighborhoods and resonate with people about where they live and talk about why they live where they live," explains Champion. "And one of the things we're doing this year is a segment called What Fills Your Cup? Coffee shops start everybody's morning, so we've gone around the country to show the coffee shops in different areas."

When I asked Champion why he chose Tinta y Café to feature on Good Morning America, he lit up. "We looked for a place that might represent Cuban coffee culture in Miami. And Tinta was even named Coral Gables' Best of 2024. I feel like it's so important. Coffee shops really define the heartbeat of a city, especially mom-and-pop or family-owned places like this. And no one gets their day started without community, family, and coffee. To me, a community is about where people gather to get their day started together."

During today's segment, Tinta's owners Malu, who manages the front of the house, and her cousin Carlos, who works his magic in the kitchen, explained what makes Tinta so special in Miami. "After 20 years, we're so excited to be here. It's an example of grit and hard work," explains Malu. Carlos chimed in. "We've been a family business since 2005, and on our 20th year, we decided to create our own coffee blend in honor of my father, called 'Rafa's Blend." 

GMA's Sam Champion Has Witnessed Miami Evolve Firsthand

And Champion truly understands the importance of community in Miami, as well — he's been a major fan of the Magic City (and an honorary local) since the '80s. "I've been here since the '80s, probably since 1982, so there isn't anything I don't love about Miami. I saw Miami before they uncovered the Art Deco buildings. I saw it as they preserved those historic buildings, and I saw it as 50 cranes were up, building new buildings and skyscrapers. So, I feel like I've grown with Miami."

Champion's favorite part (besides the Cuban cafecito? Miami's lush landscape and wildlife. "It's always been a part of my heart. For me, it's the nature that keeps me here. It's the water, it's the sand, it's the wildlife, it's the amazing trees and plants. I just feel at home here."

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Miami Runs on Cuban Cafecito from 'Ventanitas'

ABC Miami 18 and WSVN's Belkys Nerey joined Champion for the segment alongside her longtime co-anchor and friend Craig Stevens. As she is Cuban-American, she truly gets why Tinta is so special — and her favorite part? The ventanitas, which are the small ordering windows installed at most classic Cuban cafés in Miami. "The ventanita is somewhere you park your car, and you go up to the ordering window to grab your coffee," explains Nerey. "There's no sitting. You grab it, and you drink it quickly. It's that boost you need to start your day. You only need a little bit because it's strong," she says with a laugh.

And Champion couldn't agree more.

"I tell people all the time, 'When you have Cuban coffee, it will spoil anyone else's coffee for you for the rest of your life. So, unless you're ready to make the commitment to Cuban coffee, don't try it," Champion says of his love of Miami's coffee.
With ABC Miami 18 now in full swing, and Good Morning America broadcasting live from Miami this week, the national spotlight is finally catching up to what we've known all along: Miami is magic, our community is one-of-a-kind, our Cuban coffee is strong, and the soul of this city lives in family-owned businesses and coffee shops like Tinta y Café.

So, whether you're tuning into ABC Miami 18 or standing in line for your morning cortadito, remember what makes this city so special — our stories, our flavors, and our community.

Bienvenidos a Miami, ABC Miami 18! Stay tuned all week long as Champion visits other local businesses in Miami.