This beloved Coral Gables restaurant closed during COVID. It’s back for a limited run
Attention, Coral Gables foodies: Miss Ortanique on the Mile yet?
The beloved institution known for its beautiful medley of pan-Caribbean flavors shuttered in July 2020 in the height of the COVID-19 pandemic after 21 years.
Start your salivating, because it’s back. But different.
The iconic eatery’s owners, chef Cindy Hutson and partner Delius Shirley, announced they will run a pop-up at the old QP Tapas space inside MKT Kitchen, starting next Thursday.
Reason? They are giving the people what they want.
“We are thrilled to find MKT Kitchen to give our Ortanique customers what they have been missing,” Hutson tells the Miami Herald. “Since the announcement, the phone has been ringing off the hook with reservations. Many bookings, multiple dates. So many relationships were cultivated over 21 years, it will definitely be emotional for us. We are honored over the outpour of excitement over this resurrection.”
Those fans can expect more of Hutson’s glorious, signature “cuisine of the sun,” with nods to such countries as Jamaica, Haiti, Cuba and the Dominican Republic.
Think braised short rib with butter beans and truffle gnocchi; West Indian Cornish game hen; and butterflied yellowtail snapper escovitch with malanga mash and Scotch Bonnet-pickled veggies.
Hutson says when folks call they still remember the signature dishes that made such an imprint over the years.
“They are asking for their favorite double cut pork chop, Red Stripe mussels or the Caribbean Bouillabaisse,” Hutson says of her nostalgic regulars. “We will be rotating all the favorites and specials as well.”
The Ortanique pop-up will launch next Thursday, and will take dinner reservations for two seatings on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings each limited to 40 guests with a two-hour time limit. The first seating can be reserved between 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., the second between 8:15 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.
Try not to get too excited. The dynamic duo call their temporary situation “more of a tribute than a formal relaunch,” but we’ll take it.
ORTANIQUE POP-UP
Where: MKT Kitchen, 1831 Ponce De Leon Blvd., Coral Gables; 305-458-8422.
When: Sept. 28-Dec. 16, 2023.
Cost: The prix-fixe menu is $98 per person, including tax but excluding bar and gratuity.
