Shireen's Favorite Things

Brunch at Glass And Vine, 2820 McFarlane Road, Coconut Grove, Florida 33133

If you like being surrounded by nature and dining on delicious garden delights, Glass And Vine is an intimate retreat you’re sure to fall madly in love with. The seaside hidden treasure isn’t just tranquil, it’s the kind of place that makes you wanna linger, lounging until the day disappears. That’s exactly what I did on a lazy Sunday afternoon when I stopped by to try out their weekend brunch.

The Restaurant (which boasts a bright and airy interior) has the most amazing multi-level patio overlooking Peacock Park. Perhaps its best feature, though, are the gigantic fans they use to keep their outside area cool, comfortable and seemingly bug free. I quickly found a table with a nice breeze and sat down to enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Spotlight started with the strong, yet subtle “Parkside Sour” (made with gin, celery, cucumber, thai basil and lemon.) Next, I sipped on the spicy “Yellow Submarine” (made with tequila, apple, a mix of local citrus and cayenne.) This was definitely my favorite because I love drinks that have a kick. The “White Sangria” was extra refreshing, different and on the dry side (made with vihno verde, Sauvignon Blanc and chablis and fresh fruit.)

There aren’t enough words in the human vernacular to express my complete love and adoration for the “Watermelon Salad” (a mix of lime crema, cotija cheese, cilantro and jalapeño.) Never in my right mind would I group these different tastes and textures together (good thing I’m not a chef, because everyone would totally be missing out.) This plate was incredibly fresh, bursting with flavor, colors and next to nothing in the calorie department.

If you love sweet treats for brunch, the “Semolina Pancakes” (made with buttermilk and lemon) are delicious and the vanilla-maple syrup and whipped butter are the icing on the cake, so to speak. If you’re into savory, like I am, the “Wooden Oven Baked Eggs” are mind-blowing! And get this: it’s made with cauliflower-cured meat (among other things.) Yes, I said cauliflower! Trust me, though, it’s one of the best things I’ve ever wrapped my lips around. If you’re a health nut, you can’t go wrong with their “G & V Granola Bowl” (complete with cashews, grains, seeds, dried fruit and coconut/lime yogurt.)

What’s brunch without a little dessert? I’d heard a lot about their “Olive Oil Magic Shell,” which definitely made me wanna try it. It didn’t disappoint, either (made with 3 scoops of vanilla ice cream, olive oil, toasted panko breadcrumbs and candied cocoa nibs.) It had me basking in dessert bliss, until the “Eaton Mess” showed up at the table.

I’d never heard of it before. Apparently, it’s an English favorite named after a school there. They serve it at cricket matches. Glass And Vine’s yummy take on it is passion fruit, passion fruit sorbet, condensed milk, whipped cream and meringue citrus. Forget what team you’re on, everyone’s a winner when they eat a bowl of this!

If you want an escape from the hustle and bustle of the Magic City, but still desire the quality of food and service Miami is known for, “Glass and Vine” is simply divine and I’m pretty sure Mother Nature would give it two green thumbs-up and that’s why it’s one of my favorite things.

Lunch: Monday-Friday 11:30am-3:30pm
Dinner: Monday-Thursday 5:30pm-11:00pm, Friday-Saturday 5:30pm-11pm, Sunday 5pm-10pm
Brunch: Saturday 11am-3:30pm, Sunday 11am-3:30pm

Glass And Vine is snuggled inside the lush greenery of Peacock Park in Coconut Grove. There’s valet to the side of the restaurant and there’s also a public parking lot a short walk away (by the water.) Everything about this place, including its surroundings, will make you want to enjoy nature; just make sure you wear your bug spray. Cheers!

www.glassandvine.com
FB: Glass And Vine Est. 2015, IG: @glassandvine