Escape While You Can

Coconut Grove is more known for the annual Arts Festival, abundant hippies, college bars, occasional Peacocks and the old “club scene.” Today the only reasons people really visit are to brunch at Green Street to “people watch,” eat burgers at LoKal (my favorite) or attend beer festivals (Sprung!) and free yoga at Peacock Park. However, the Grove posses a lot more charming qualities and treasures than even a Miami local would know. One Coconut Grove secret I discovered more recently, is Gibraltar on Grove Isle.

Off of bicylin’ bitchen’ Bayshore Drive, only a short bridge away lays your very own private island. This secluded getaway offers not only a beautiful resort on the water but, its’ restaurant delivers only the finest foods for your ocean viewing pleasure . Gibraltar was able to find one of Miami’s plating Picassos Chef Ted Mendez, who previously worked at Barton G, known for its’ elaborate and eccentric presentations.

Dining Room

On my visit Grove Isle I totally forgot I was in Miami. Many locals are misunderstood by the obscure island and mistake the property as a restricted retreat. However, all you need to know is your name and the name Gibraltar and you just won a golden ticket to an epicurean empire.

This makes me want to go on a date.

On a brighter note, here are a few reasons why you should visit really soon:

If you sit outside for dinner, it’s almost more romantic than The Notebook.
The view will make any tourist want to move to Miami.
Drink too much? No worries because, you can book a room at the hotel.
You might see someone who “raps” about Miami…a lot.
Any hangover can be cured with their weekend bottomless brunch including mimosas, bloody mary’s and a buffet.
On Wednesday’s, wine is 50% off and there’s complimentary cheese.
After dinner, your date might even get lucky if you have a nightcap at the firepit because, the scenery is that seductive.
Lastly, the food is fantastic, fresh and pretty fancy.

If you’re going for some snacks, here are my favorite appetizers:

Tuna Tostada

For those who are trying to eat healthy but, still want to indulge a little – look no further than the Tuna Tostada. In a perfect life, I could eat this for dinner every night. Crunchy “mini” tostones are layered with fresh avocado, queso fresco, poblano salsa and tomatoes for a dreamy texture. Even though it doesn’t need anything else, once you poke the floating fried egg you’ll be glad it’s there.

Sliders courtesy of Grove Isle

4 Hour Short Rib Sliders are definitely worth ordering. Every competent works well together as juicy and tender short ribs are stuffed in between some warm buns. Creamy potent blue cheese is added on top of the meat with some crisp lightly fried onions. They also come with a cup of overflowing of addicting french fries. I recommend sharing this as you’ll want to save room for dessert.

Comfort Central

A spoonful of the Truffle Cauliflower Soup will cure any bad day or hideous breakup. Beware though, the silky soup is filling and you might not be able to stop eating it. It’s drizzled with a trio of different colored truffle oils for a splash of excitement and topped with chips.

Tacos of the day — change daily and you can thank me later

What’s Taco Bell?

Other standouts include:

-Grilled Korean Short Ribs with crispy onion, sweet and spicy slaw: All I can say is Flavorbomb

Flavorbomb

-Chopped grilled octopus, charred tomato salsa and olive oil tostones: Get creative and make your own open faced tostone with some smoky octopus

-Oaxaca cheese fondido with chorizo shrimp and corn chips: You will never eat queso the same again

For an entree, I highly suggest the specials. On my last visit, I ordered the Mahi-Mahi Paella that was bigger than my appetite. In an abundant abyss swam a lobster tail, calamari, grilled shrimp and mahi-mahi over a bed of rice with peas, avocado, cherry tomatoes and cilantro.

Sight for Sore Eyes

Even though, I am usually full from appetizers or generous entrees, dessert is absolutely necessary here-No questions asked. All of them are super sweet and executed flawlessly. I wouldn’t order them all though because, last time I did that the crew I was with decided they were too full so I just had to man up and finish them all. Their sins were staring at me sweetly and I couldn’t let precious pieces of heaven go to waste. Indulge with the following:

The Ultimate Breakup Cure

-Cookie Skillet: What’s better than 1 cookie? How about 3! They’re baked in one skillet together and then a plethora of melted fudge can surprise you in the middle. To make this dessert even more comforting it’s polished off with a scoop of ice cream.

-Passionfruit Cheesecake: This creamy cheesecake is topped with a moist layer of fruitfulness that should be awarded for the appropriate balance to its’ decadent insides.

Pure Passion

-Super-Charged Sticky Bun: For someone who isn’t a fan of sticky buns or pastry desserts, I did a really good job on this one. In appropriate Miami fashion, it’s served alongside a shot of espresso to help maintain your sugar rush. This perfectly syrupy coated treat will put a smile on even Bruce Jenner’s face…wait I don’t think his face permits that.

Lavender Martini

As far as the bar goes, the bartender will pretty make anything you ask. I told him I wanted something with gin that’s refreshing and then suddenly, my cocktail was gone! Yup, I practically sipped it down in seconds. I blame it on his homemade Lavender Syrup. Their wine list is also decently expansive, I recommend a bottle of the 2480 if you’re sticking with steaks ;)

This easy and essential escape delivers everything very well. Our server was personable, knowledgeable and the food arrived in a very timely manner. I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect because, I had not heard much of the relaxing refined restaurant but, I will tell you I was wildly impressed. For me, the only drawback to Gibraltar would probably be the prices but, the location is hard to beat. However, Gibraltar does have happy hour if you’re piggy bank seems skinny these days.