When my parents come to visit me, my mom in particular only wants to go to upscale places, she is caught up more into that old thing that goes “what is his/her last name” like if that matters nowadays, maybe back in the day someone care what people’s last name was as that meant they belong to a certain group of people… but that is my mom, she is not fan of hole-in-the-wall type of places and perhaps that is due to the fact that “hole-in-the-wall” eateries back where she is from probably means bad greasy food. She likes to see people dress properly when they go out, thank god she doesn’t live in Miami as I barely brush my hair when I go grab a quick bite.
She doesn’t grasp my concept of hole-in-the-wall places so I cut to the chase and only show her refined places, well, she shows me because she is the one paying the bill. I know my mom would love a light lunch at the Biltmore hotel – she will feel comfortable knowing that I still have some class in my blood so I headed to Coral Gables.
Olives
You won’t go wrong by offering Italians and Spanish descendant people some olives at the table as soon as we sat down. I am already happy.
Tartara di Tonno $17
Diced Ahi Tuna, Cucumber, Avocado, Scallions, Mixed Greens, Lemon Soy Sauce
This photo is funny because my mom is standing still as I shouted “don’t touch it!” I needed to take a picture, and she stood like a little girl (I love my mom). I had a bite but I was not impressed and at $17 a pop I want to be impressed.
Ravioli ai Formaggi $19
Ravioli Filled with Ricotta, Mascarpone, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Tomato Coulis
My dad loves pasta, is the Italian in him. He very much enjoyed this dish. I had small taste and I think it had the right combination of ingredients, the pasta was well done – just what you would expect at places like Fontana at the Biltmore Hotel. This dish is very reasonably priced and very tasty.
Insalata di Cesare $9
Crisp Romaine Lettice, Aged Grana Padano, Foccacia Croutons, Chef’s Cesar Dressing
Yes, this was my dish. I took it light because we were spending the whole day from restaurant to restaurant and this was only early lunchtime. I was hoping for a strong dressing, strong in the sense that I particularly like strong flavors in my cesar dressing, I love smelly anchovies and I am aware that not everyone (perhaps most people) don’t like a fishy cesar dressing and that the chef is not here to only please me. This salad was not memorable for me but again, I am one in a million that would have preferred something more with a punch.
Fontana (Biltmore Hotel)
1200 Anastasia Ave
Coral Gables, FL 33134
www.biltmorehotel.com/dining/fontana.php
