Shireen's Favorite Things

A beautiful brunch at Zucca in Coral Gables, where the elegant atmosphere can only be upstaged by the mind-blowing Pumpkin Ravioli. #ComeToMama I didn’t even know I liked “Ravioli Di Zucca Burro Salvia.” Don’t I sound fancy? 🥂

If you’re a professional brunch-er, you probably already know about Zucca; but if you just dabble in the game, this place NEEDS to be on your radar. The chic Italian eatery, snuggled inside the historic ivy-drenched Hotel St. Michel, offers the most incredible brunch buffet.

I know what you’re thinking: “a buffet?” I’m right there with you, but this isn’t just any kind of food round-up, it’s fresh, sophisticated and first class. In fact, you’ll have a hard time choosing between the mouthwatering Italian antipasti, homemade focaccia, yummy salads and decadent pastas, not to mention all the breakfast food. If that doesn’t tickle your fancy, go a la carte or try a little bit of everything; which is kind of the point. By the way…

Brunch comes with a complimentary adult beverage. You can choose between mimosa, Bellini or Prosecco. I started my #Spotlight experience with a glass of Italian cuvée called “Ca’ del Bosco.” It’s one of my favorites. If you prefer craft cocktails, they have some creative ones, like “Take It Peachy” (which is dry gin white peach juice, lemongrass, lemon juice, orange bitter and Prosecco) or how about a “Venetian Bloody Mary” (made with grappa, yucca, bloody mary mix and tomato juice.) I was in it to win it food-wise, so I stuck with the bubbly…

And fawned over dishes like the amazing “Vitelli Tonnato,” thinly-sliced veal tenderloin over tuna emulsion with capers and greens. It’s a #MustTry and one of their most popular items on the menu. The “Bresaola Di Manzo” was spectacular, too, with arugula and shaved parmesan and both versions of the Burrata (tartine & salad) were total cheese-y heaven.

Zucca makes quite the impressive Antipasto Platter with Salumi, Prosciutto, cold marinated veggies, parmesan cheese and olives. Save some room for risotto, because they always have a special of the day. I tried the “Shrimp Risotto” with cherry tomatoes and asparagus, but it was the “Ravioli Di Zucca Burro Salvia” that really knocked my socks off.

One bite of their homemade ravioli stuffed with pumpkin (sautéed in light butter sauce and sage) and you’ll think you’ve died and gone to #foodieheaven. It’s officially my new “dead woman walking” dish. I can’t wait to go back and have some more. All the aforementioned plates are featured on the buffet; there’s also lasagna, Porchetta, Roast Beef and Prime Rib. Are you drooling yet? If not, the dessert table should do the trick, packed with every kind of Italian pastry and sweet treat you can imagine: tiramisu, ricotta cheesecake, creme brûlée, panna cotta and more. Decisions, decisions, decisions and if you can’t tell, I had a hard time making one. 😂

Brunch ended with Zucca’s glorious homemade Limoncello. I’m kind of a liquor snob, but this aperitif doesn’t disappoint. Not only is the food world-class, the service is excellent, too, and don’t mistake sophistication for snobbery. Everyone at Zucca is incredibly warm and friendly and you can tell they totally love what they do and that’s why it’s one of my #FavoriteThings. Happy Brunching!

Zucca
162 Alcazar Avenue
Coral Gables, Florida 33134

Lunch 11am-5pm
Dinner Tuesday-Saturday 5pm-11pm, Sunday-Monday 5pm-10pm
Brunch is Sunday 11am-4pm
Happy Hour: Monday-Friday 5pm-8pm

Be Social
IG: @zuccamiami
FB: @zuccamiami
Twitter: @HotelSt.Michel

reservations: 786-580-3731
Brunch is $52 for adults & $28 for the little ones
www.hotlestmichel.com