NEWCOMER PRESTIGE HOSPITALITY GROUP LAUNCHES LA ROMANITA IN HIALEAH’S AMELIA DISTRICT
The Burgeoning Area is Bringing the Best of Live, Work, Play to South Florida’s Historic City
Photo Credit: La Romanita
MIAMI, FLA. (AUGUST 1, 2022) – Prestige Hospitality Group is pleased to announce the launch of its first restaurant, La Romanita Restaurant & Lounge, which officially opens to the public on Friday, August 5, 2022. Adjacent to the 515-acre Amelia Earhart Park, La Romanita is located in the new Amelia District that was founded and developed by Prestige Companies. The district is the city’s newest mixed-use development located in the heart of Hialeah and features brand-new rental communities, sprouting retail options, a top-rated Preschool Academy, and is poised to be South Florida’s next dining destination.
At the helm of this neighborhood eatery is Executive Chef Reinier “Rey” Mendez, who draws from both Cuban and Italian influences when creating his menus. Hailing from Havana, Cuba, Chef Rey began his culinary career as a Pizzeria Manager in Union Francesa, Cuba. In 2007, Chef Rey came to the U.S. and became Sauté Chef at Novecento in Key Biscayne. From there he worked in some of Miami’s most notable concepts including STK Miami, Shula’s Steakhouse, Naked Crab Restaurant in Fort Lauderdale, alongside celebrity chef Ralph Pagano, Casa Tua Cucina in Brickell City Centre, and most recently Lure Fish Bar at Loews Miami Beach Hotel, the sister location of the seafood-centric, SoHo hotspot.
“We are excited to partner with Chef Rey and to bring something new and different to the area,” said Dennis Rodriguez, Partner of Prestige Companies. “Chef Rey’s unique cooking style coupled with the restaurant’s grower champagnes and boutique wines approach, will elevate Hialeah to new levels in the local culinary scene.”
Upon arriving at La Romanita, guests will be greeted with a welcoming atmosphere complete with an outdoor patio with seating up to 40, full bar, dining room that seats 65 people, and open kitchen. The menu is a selection of Latin-inspired dishes, seafood, garden fresh salads, select cuts of meat as well Italian focused dishes such as house-made pastas and pizzas.
Appetizers ($7-$18) are the perfect start with dishes like Garbanzo Frito—chorizo, chickpeas, and sofrito; Tartare Di Tonno—yellowfin tuna, shallot, parsley, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, cured egg yolk, and avocado; and Crudo Mixto with yellowfin tuna, salmon, snapper, passionfruit, vinaigrette, and spicy oil. Salads ($10-$18) are a bright and flavorful option and include a Cuban Caesar made with romaine, croutons, homemade Caesar dressing, and crispy sardines; and the Tomate Lechuga Y Aguacate—mixed greens topped with tomato, lemon dressing, and Cuban avocado. Protein add-ons available include chicken ($9); tuna ($15), shrimp ($15); and churrasco ($14).
Pastas ($14-$32) are made in house and come with a choice of orecchiette, spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine. The options of sauces range from rich to light and savory. Highlights include an Amatriciana—bacon, onions, tomatoes, white wine, and parmesan; Carbonara—eggs, white sauce, bacon, and parmesan cheese; and the Gamberoni—shrimp, white wine, parsley, butter, and capers. Lasagnas are also made daily with the option of Carne or Veggies.
Del Malecón or From the Sea ($18-32) features a selection of seafood such as Salmon A La Parrilla—grilled salmon filet with lemon beurre blanc and roasted potatoes; Branzino Al Sartén—pan seared branzino filet accompanied by a pine nut purée, and sautéed spinach; and La Tuna China—crispy yellowfin tuna filet, shrimp stir-fried rice, and crispy onions. For a heartier option, La Finca or Butcher’s Place ($21-$64) offers choice cut steaks, chicken and a variety of entrees like the Montaito—fried pork shoulder with roasted potatoes, fried egg, and mojo; Conejos A La Naranja—roasted rabbit, potatoes, orange salsa, and cherry tomatoes; Chilindron—braised lamb with potatoes and white rice; and Codorniz—whole codorniz (quail) with fricassee sauce and moro.
Perfect for sharing, Chef Rey’s Pizza ($15-$26) uses a homemade dough made into a thin, crispy crust with variety of toppings such as the Vaca Frita—tomato sofrito sauce, secret mixed cheeses, vaca frita, and dry oregano; La Lechona—shredded pork meat, tomato sauce, and secret mixed cheeses; and Zetas Y Tartufo—truffle white sauce, cheese, mushrooms, and truffle oil. Soups or Sopas Y Cremas ($6-$9) are made in house daily as well as a selection of Sides ($3-6) and a Kid’s Corner menu ($8-$12). Of course, each dining experience must end on a sweet note with Postres ($5-$9) including Lemon Ravioli; Goat Cheese Flan; and Guava Torrejas.
The globally sourced boutique wine list includes over 80 different types of wines from regions all over the world. Curated by the team behind the hospitality group, the wine program features everything from vintages, unique terroirs, and notable wineries to more approachable labels and bottles for any occasion. Guests can select from wines by the glass, domestic vineyards, or explore La Romanita’s catalog of Chic Bubbles featuring compelling grower champagnes; Stylish Whites from countries throughout Europe; Seductive Roses; Structured, New World Reds; Elegant, Old-World Reds; and wines for After Dinner. Additional libations include craft cocktails and beers as well as fresh-squeezed juices and made to order coffees. Live entertainment, including live jazz will be a late-night, weekend must-see featuring local musicians and performers.
La Romanita Restaurant & Lounge is located at 7755 W 4th Avenue in Hialeah. Hours of operation: Monday through Thursday from Noon to 10 p.m.; Friday from Noon to 11:30 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Website: https://laromanitarestaurantandlounge.com; Follow on Instagram: @la_romanita_restaurant.
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