Dinner Monday-Morningside Landmark

[Algonquin Host]

Please RSVP to: daryl...@gmail.com by Monday at noon. This dinner is limit to only 30 people.

Once upon a time, there was a little pump house providing fresh tap water to a neighborhood in Miami now known as Morningside. Made of native coral-rock and wood, the stately structure stood since 1923, masquerading as many different personas over the years. Meanwhile, Miami’s prominent restaurateur, Mark Soyka, who breathed life into the area, always kept an eye on the ever-enchanting coral house. It had been a vagabond crash-pad, private home, and a beauty salon until one day Mark finally obtained ownership of his inspiration for Café Roval. 

The coral house seemed to draw in talent, creating a savvy team of all-stars. Chef Nuno Grullon, who also had his eye on the house, was delighted to hear that Mark Soyka would be establishing a restaurant there. Considering how he should approach while riding his bicycle, Nuno ran right into Mark in front of the house. After a tasting and a handshake, Café Roval had a head chef. Acclaimed Spanish chef, Diego Gonzalez, was discovered as a neighbor poking around in the garden; he is now Nuno’s right-hand man. Restaurant veteran, Gary Sanon-Jules was walking his dog when Mark drove up alongside him and asked him if he would manage the new restaurant. Tamara Feola was also asked to join the team during a casual conversation with Mark, a long-time friend. Gary was soon excited to hear that his old friend Lalo Villanueva was also brought onto the team. Gary, Tamara and Lalo worked together many moons ago at the original News Café and are thrilled to be together again on Mark’s new project. 

Upon entering Café Roval, nostalgia hits you as the ambiance implies a speakeasy or a familiar place you are glad you have found again. With walls made entirely of coral rock, the atmosphere is both cozy and cavernous with cathedral ceilings and warmly lit chandeliers. Jazz music floats in the air and vintage posters sparsely decorate the walls, providing an effortless charm. A warm inviting bar occupies the rear of the restaurant, but the real magic happens when you walk through the back door. The backyard at Café Roval is right out of a fairytale and unlike anything you have ever seen before. There is a two-level patio, engulfed by a lush landscape, and in the center lie two gorgeous lagoons, one cascading down into the next. The lower patio is perfect for outdoor dining, while the upper level is reserved for cocktails, small bites, and socializing. If that does not satisfy you, the backyard continues on down below, complete with a grassy area, picnic benches, and plans for a movie night under the stars. 

Café Roval is Mark Soyka’s first restaurant in 15 years, and it is light years ahead in style and execution. Chef Nuno has crafted a true farm-to-table experience, with influence and techniques from all over the world. Chef Nuno has been featured on Bravo’s Best New Restaurant and has toured Central America with the culinary magazine, Buen Provecho. He has worked at Morton’s, Café Tabac and Devito’s, with Michelle Bernstein, David Kolotkin and Philippe Baguette. Before gracing the kitchen of Café Roval, Chef Nuno took the Executive Chef position at Metro Organic Bistro where he was the culinary engine and creative force that drove Miami’s first and highly successful organic fine dining restaurant.

Our menu for Monday, January 30th:

Welcome Cocktail

SUNOMONO KIND OF

fresh cucumber extract, lime, apple vinegar, tobacco, vlast, cucumber olive

or

SYLTBAR PROSECCO

Appetizer

YELLOWFIN TUNA CRUDO

quail egg, red onion, capers, ponzu dressing, tempura crisp, focaccia toast

HEARTS OF ROMAINE

caesar dressing, milk croutons, shaved grana padano

Entrees

MALBEC BRAISED SHORT RIBS

english peas, brown beech, boniato puree, prosciutto dust

BUTTERFLY LOCAL YELLOWTAIL SNAPPER

cherry tomato scales, paprika lemon-thyme, confit gold potatoes, asparagus

BRUSSEL SPROUTS

smoked cheddar, kale, heirloom cauliflower 

Dessert

NUTELLA AND BANANA CREPE

banana, caramel, vanilla ice cream

Served Family Style at each table - $50 cash per person, which includes three courses, welcome cocktail, tax, and tip.

Drinks: 7:00pm

Dinner: 7:30pm

Cafe Roval

5808 NE 4th Court

Miami, 33137

Looking forward to seeing you Monday night!