Taste the Spark of Genius at Chispa
 
 by Marguerite Gil
Arts and Entertainment Writer

 Domingo Familiar en Chispa is a family style Sunday Brunch that includes complimentary brunch selections, of course, but within an atmosphere that is reminiscent of family reunions and copious amounts of specially prepared dishes. 

Chef Robbin Haas, a well-known and well-respected culinary genius, has opened his newest venture called Chispa in the Merrick Park section of town. Chispa—which means “spark” in Spanish—offers a combination of Latin, South American and Cuban meals. Haas has successfully created a wide selection of platitos that give diners a full assortment of smaller aperitif plates plus the regular menu. With over 60 different choices including Cazuelitas, Ceviches y Tartares, Croquetas, Fritas y Enpanadas and a variety of weekly specials, there is something tasty for any and all tastebuds.

We made our way through the classy new restaurant and found a booth for four. Our waiter immediately brought us glasses of water, freshly baked bread and extra virgin olive oil for dipping. Then he practically sat at the table with us and started to explain the contents of the different dishes and the way the Chispa brunch works. You pick four dishes from the first part of the Sunday menu and then three dishes from the second part of the menu, and share everything. Guests are encouraged to ask for seconds and thirds, but seven largely filled plates with additional baskets of bread and side orders are plenty for the average eater. My Mahi Mahi ceviche with slices of ginger, soy, lemon and crispy yucca was wonderful. We all shared the Serrano Jamon, (ham) wood roasted Shrimp with capers, lime and a hint of garlic and Empanadas de Chorizo. Then, when we couldn’t eat another bite, it was time for the second course. 

If the expression “You eat with your eyes” is true, we were fully satisfied as soon as we were seated. The eatery is divided into thirds by wooden shutters which, when closed, allow for private parties. There is a very ample bar area that is stacked with young professionals after five o’clock each evening. Their open kitchen is shiny, efficient and, during our visit, had over ten busy chefs sprinting around.  Indoor booths and tables are comfy and Chispa has tables with umbrellas set up on the sidewalk for outside dining. Valet parking is available, but on Sundays it’s just as easy to park on the street since there are no parking fees. Prices are affordable and the service is quick and personable. This beautiful restaurant aims to please and caters to the most demanding tastes.

Manager Vincent Lombino told us, “On Sundays, all our family and neighbors gather at our tables and feast. We share ideas, thoughts and our plans for the upcoming weeks and months. We invite everyone to join us and eat ‘Family Style.’ Buen Provecho!” 

Good advice, Sr. Lombino. Chispa is located at 225 Altara Avenue in Coral Gables. For more information, call 305 648-2600 or visit their website at www.chisparestaurant.com.

Send your arts and entertainment events information for consideration to megs@gate.net.
 
 
Photos by Marguerite Gil

Chef Carmen Gonzalez Outstanding
Supporter of Hunger-Relief Agencies

 This year’s “Five Fabulous Female Chefs” was once again hosted by celebrated local chef, Carmen Gonzalez, raising $13,450 for Daily Bread Food Bank. Chef Carmen has a long history of concern for the hungry. As a small child in Puerto Rico, her family watched her sneak plates of food through restaurant doors to homeless women on the streets.
 
Today, as owner and award winning chef of Carmen the Restaurant, in Coral Gables, Chef Carmen continues to support issues of hunger by participating in Share OurStrength and “Five Fabulous Female Chefs.” Chef Carmen has been involved with the Daily Bread Food Bank and its fight against hunger for over 15 years.

Judith Gatti, Executive Director of Daily Bread Food Bank, gratefully appreciates Chef Carmen’s wonderful support of the Daily Bread Food Bank: “Three years ago, she coordinated and catered Daily Bread’s Donor Appreciation Gala at the Daily Bread Reclamation Center. For the past two years, she has hosted her brainchild project ‘Five Fabulous Female Chefs,’ which kicks off the Dade Taste of the Nation for Share Our Strength with Chef Allen Susser.”

Chef Carmen’s other philanthropic works include The Feeding the Mind Foundation, a program she founded to provide scholarships to disadvantaged women who wish to enter the food service industry and the University of Miami Comprehensive Cancer Center.  

Carmen the Restaurant is located in The David William Hotel in Coral Gables. The elegant, boutique-style seating restaurant unites Post New American fare and Latino flavors to achieve an unforgettable dining experience. Carmen the Restaurant is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Friday; Saturday and Sunday is dinner only.

Daily Bread Food Bank is the South Florida affiliate of America’s Second Harvest, a member of the Florida Association of Food Banks and the largest food bank in the State of Florida. Since 1982, Daily Bread Food Bank has been fighting hunger in South Florida by distributing food and grocery items to non-profit organizations. Daily Bread Food Bank provides more than 18 million pounds of food a year to over 1,200 non-profit agencies throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Monroe Counties. 
For more information about getting involved with Daily Bread Food Bank, contact its administrative office at 305-633-9861.