We recently had the opportunity to have a delightful dinner at the new Latin Gastrobar: “Canela y Miel.” First, let’s talk about the name. Canela y Miel is Spanish for “cinnamon and honey.” That’s the first teaser that there’s something worth tasting inside.
What kind of food do they offer?
Well, the best way I can describe it is as a gourmet Cuban / Latin restaurant. You’ll find familiar plates infused with extra flavor that’ll make you want more. From Cuban Ham Croquetas to Colombian Empanadas, you’ll find a variety of appetizers to get you started.
The Main Course
I tried the Lechon Asado (aka mojo pulled pork) for my main course. It was served with Cuban Moro and a Creamy Garlic Cassava. Like I said, the flavors will be familiar, but there’s a little something extra that just adds to the flavor. This isn’t just another pulled pork. It was truly an elevated latin gourmet experience infused with extra flavor.
While I played it safe, my wife was more daring going for the Filete de Basa Frito (Fried Bass Filet). And she was well rewarded with an incredibly flavorful dish. The fish was incredible. Well cooked, hot and just falling apart with a simple twist of the fork. It was accompanied with white rice and and sweet plaintains.
Drinks
The drinks were great, too. We tried the Sour Apple Martini and the Piña Colada. Both were very good and enjoyable.
Recommendations
In business surveys, there’s a standard called the Net Promoter Score or NPS. It measures customer loyalty and satisfaction by asking, “How likely are you to recommend a product or service to a friend or colleague?” on a scale of 0 to 10. By that measure, Canela y Miel gets a 10. We would absolutely recommend Miami Springs residents to come out and try Canela y Miel.
The other key question is “Will you come back for more?” The answer to that is emphatically, “Yes.”
Now, let me set some expectations. This is not your typical Cuban / Latin restaurant that serves you a pound of white rice, a huge piece of protein, and a side. (I’m thinking El Rinconcito on NW 36th Street.) If that’s what you’re expecting, that’s not what you’re going to get. The portions are perfect to be satisfied, but without having a heart attack at the dinner table. The food at Canela y Miel is elevated to a more flavorful, gourmet standard. It’s where you go when you want something familiar and yet different at the same time.
And best of all, you can enjoy it right here in Miami Springs.
The Menu:
Location:
Canela y Miel is located at 365 North Royal Poinciana Boulevard in Miami Springs. It’s just a building down from Bella Bakery. For old time Springers, it’s at the old Hurricane Bar & Grill location.
What do you think?
Have you tried Canela y Miel? What was your experience?
