Small businesses make Miami special. After all, what's better than knowing your hard-earned dollars are supporting your fellow 305'ers, versus soulless corporations and their fat cat CEOs? This city wouldn't be what it is without Panther Coffee, Whisk Gourmet and Abraxas Lounge.

So the Unemployed Chef in Coral Gables is a welcome addition. The only problem? Not nearly enough people know they're there. This sister-owned outpost serves home-cooked breakfast and lunch, and they're earning rave reviews from those in the neighborhood. So why the hell haven't you eaten there yet?

See also:

- Panther Coffee's Miami Beach Shop Near Opening

- Scratch Bakery Downtown: Free Pizza, Cupcakes, and Ice Cream Tomorrow

The Gables dining scene has been steadily improving, and no longer is it a haven solely for the retirement set. Nowadays, even hip, young foodies are proud to show their faces at spots like Swine and Pao Town.

And the Unemployed Chef is no exception. For those who work in the City Beautiful, it's a casual, convenient and totally reasonable lunch option. Plus, they deliver.

Sisters Barbara and Sandra Avayu opened the locale about six months back. They've been in the biz for a long time, and they were born and raised in the Gables, to boot. After Barbara lost her gig at Emeril's Miami Beach (when they closed their doors), the duo started dreaming up alternative options - and The Unemployed Chef was born.

Currently, they serve up a whole host of options, from breakfast sandwiches ($4.79) and Cobb salads ($6.09) to homemade soups ($2.59) and Philly cheesesteaks ($6.59). Everything is homemade -- no pre-wrapped sammies or pre-cooked chicken. Their thin-crust pizzas ($6.99) and sliders ($4.89) also earn rave reviews.

If you like this story, consider signing up for our email newsletters.

SHOW ME HOW

X

Newsletters

_{All-access pass to the top stories, events and offers around town.}

• No Thanks
• Sign Up

X

SUCCESS!

You have successfully signed up for your selected newsletter(s) - please keep an eye on your mailbox, we're movin' in!

Since Barbara is a pastry chef by trade, they also feature various desserts on the regular, including her famous key lime pie ($3.79). Eventually, Barbara hopes to expand their dessert options and possibly supply local restaurants and other businesses.

The spot (which is easy to miss, so keep a lookout) sits at 2030 S. Douglas Road, Suite 102 -- and they're open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. - perfect for that pre-work meal or lunchtime break. Check out their website for more deets.

Follow Hannah on Twitter @hannahalexs.

Follow Short Order on Facebook, on Twitter @Short_Order, and Instagram @ShortOrder.

• Neighborhood Joints
• Openings