Versailles… This sign beckons you. I don’t believe it’s possible to drive down Calle Ocho (8th Street) without stopping. It might just be for a cafe cubano. Or, it might be for a pressed sandwich or pastellito (a guava pastry with or without cheese). Or, if you’re lucky, you might just get to sample my personal favorite… the GIANT sugar cookie baked with a good sized circle of guava paste decorating it’s center. The delectable pink circle of goodness make this giant treat worth every calorie.
Setting: Large casual dining room with separate bakery. The simple tables and chairs somehow work with the numerous crystal chandeliers in this Miami institution. It is a decor that screams Old Miami. And, the bakery, which has its own seating (a number of cafe tables) also offers a takeout window for those in a hurry.
Staff: The staff is a mixture of Spanish and English speakers who are eager to help. But, if you’re headed to the bakery, it’s best to know what you need in advance. As, it’s likely to be jam packed full of hungry patrons.
The Food:
The Restaurant offers a full menu of classic Cuban cuisine… Lechon Asado (Roast Pork), Vaca Frita (Beef Roast shredded and fried), Boliche (Cuban Pot Roast), Picadillo (Ground beef braised in a thin tomato sauce), Masas De Puerco Fritas (Chunks of fried pork), Palomilla Steak (Thin beef steak sauteed with citrus juices, garlic and onions) and many others.
The Bakery houses their cakes, cookies, pastries, Cuban bread and sandwiches for pressing. In addition, a row of several espresso machines that they use to whip up their cafe cubanos and cafe con leches. A list of my favorites include their guava sugar cookies, tres leches, crema catalana (Cuban creme brulee), flan (several variations), pastellitos, arroz con leche (rice pudding), and bonatillo (sweet potato pudding).
The Stars of the Day: Lechon Asado, Vaca Frita, Maduros and Moros y Christianos AND guava sugar cookies, pastellitos and cafe cubanos for dessert.
Versailles
3555 S W Eighth Street
Miami, FL 33135
(305) 444-0240
