La Fresa Francesa

Reviews 7

TH

The Whet Palette

As if entering a movie set right on cue, La Vie en Rose played through the speakers above as I entered the restaurant. I quickly adjusted my eyes to the dimmed lights and noticed the vintage Christmas decor. It was Christmas night, after all. Sandy, one of the owners, cheerfully greeted me right away and showed us to our table. I dont know why, but I felt at home immediately. Ive been back three times since then. Theres a certain captivating je ne sais quoi about La Fresa. I still notice small details with each visit: the authentic Hialeah Race Track pitcher, the various framed art throughout the space, the rustic and mismatched finish of the table tops, the little Parisian stirrer for the coffees...all charming, all unique. In true Hialeah-meets-Paris form, the buttery Foie Gras I ordered as my first dish to try was served atop a toasted slice of guava bread and hazelnuts: sweet and salty with an added crunch. The second time, guava granita topped the foie. The sugary slush somehow didnt take away from the foies stardom, as Id initially anticipated. Given the quaint kitchen and staff size, orders can sometimes take a while. I usually order from the Olive Bar menu (nicoices, picholines, castelvatrano, and also the boquerones) while I wait for the appetizers to arrive. I also prefer to put my entire order in and let them course it out. Its best to visit on a day when you arent rushed. Come ready to have a leisurely dinner, enjoy some wine, and savor every bite while listening to French classics. The wait is worth it! Ive become attached to some of the dishes. The Egg Cocotte (parsley, gruyere, truffle, soft baked egg), for example, can be filed under "comfort food." The soft egg combined with the freshly baked bread (usually from ZTB) makes a perfect starter: close-your-eyes worthy every time. I certainly cant choose a favorite between the Braised Australian Lamb Shank (accompanied by Le Puy lentils) and the Braised Oxtail. Its like choosing a favorite child! Not happening. The Hanger Steak (topped with a 25 year aged balsamic and accompanied with a crisp, delicately-seasoned green salad) is so simple, yet prepared with an obvious edited hand. For dessert, one word: crepes. If you follow my blog, you wont be surprised to learn I often order the Guava Crepe. I was, however, shocked to be even more blown away by the Butter Crepe. Its so easy to mask the flavor of a subpar crepe with a toppings overkill. Here, the butter is just an added touch: a delightful highlight. This flavorsome thin crepe stands on its own with just the right soft, yet firm texture. I might have to double up my order next time. Service has always been personable. You might not see Chef Benoit on the floor much while there, but you wont have to look far to notice Sandys kind, passionate, and nurturing persona as she floats along every table checking in on guests. Every question you ask her is enthusiastically answered: her delivery, always spot on. Blink and you might miss a comment said in jest, but with a completely straight face. That is, until her face lights up again and you are now in on the joke. Its no wonder so many people are enamored with La Fresa Francesa. The restaurant initially built their serendipitous cult-like following serving up brunch and lunch dishes such as Un Cubano en Paris (braised pork, gruyere, Dijon mustard, and pickled red onions), El Orgullo de Hialeah crepe (dulce de leche and mango), and the Hialeah Helicopter Latte (will keep you up all night). Not everything has a Cuban-French twist. Id say the majority of the dishes are more French-inspired than not. These days, as per Sandy, the brunch favorite is the French Toast, and the Quail during dinner; lunch always trends differently. Between Benoits cooking and Sandys spark, this ones a winner!

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AL

Alex Rodriguez

This restaurant is so utterly out of place, its easy to pass up if you dont know anything about it. One of my friends mentioned hed tried it out, and I decided to go with him for brunch to try it out as well. The location is tiny, but theres sufficient parking. When you walk in you are surrounded by cute french decor. It almost feels like youre walking into your French grandmothers living room/kitchen. Again, this place is tiny, so be sure to call ahead of you have a large party. Once seated, your waiter will present the days specials, aside from presenting you with the menu. There wasnt a single thing I didnt want to try. I had coffee from a French press, an egg cocotte for an appetizer (never had it before, so simple, and yet so flavorful, with notes of truffle and garlic), and a croque monsieur (make this your cheat day, the sandwich is layered with cheese and bechamel!!). For dessert my friend and I shared a french toast with a Cuban flair, made with the sweet medianoche bread. Everything was made perfectly, and came out in a timely fashion (I only had an hour to spare and we finished it all before then). My only complaint was that the tables were too small, but real estate is a small price to pay for this experience. Dont let the Hialeah address fool you!

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RA

rafael carabano castro

Un lugar especial, donde no imaginas que pueda estar. se hace presente y logra abrazarte con su magia, su buen gusto, la atencion, sus sabores y olores y sobre todo, que para mi es muy importante, la compania de ajenos desconocidos, que por momentos se hacen tus aliados y companeros en el compartir de una cena, un espacio, un momento. Intimo, ligero y calido.

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RA

Ray E.

This is a very quaint, tiny restaurant in the middle of Hialeah, which is not an area you would expect this gem of a restaurant to be located. The restaurant is tiny but the food is very authentic French fare that is prepared as if you are dining in someones home. The service was ok but there was only one server for much of the time we were there and the restaurant was full. Definite try the hangar steak or the Duck confit as both were excellent! The chocolate pot de creme for dessert was amazing with sea salt and hazelnuts sprinkled on top. This restaurant is worth the trip to the "City of Progress" if you are looking for authentic French food in Miami.

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EU

Eusebio Perez Perez

The ambiance very nice and family admospher.... The food was ordinary and the waiting time it was EXTRA ORDINARY... I was waiting 1 hour and 15 mints for a simple sandwich. The owner girl very hypocritical and sarcastic just because i dont like her ... I dont know why because it was my first and last time. She served everybody who arrived after me at first. very disappointed because i did not give her any reason to make her act that in that stupid way agains me . definitely better to go to a real French restaurant where you attend class with much more respect and tolerate differences....thanks

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AR

Arnoldo Corrales Soler

Great "petite" spot, "riquísimo" for lunch, this is how I would describe this french bistro placed in our famous Hialeah. I got a guava bellini, the cubano en Paris and a Nutella and strawberry crepe. The food was really good with a superb service, no complaints at all. Great casual atmosphere.The tasty sandwich name describes exactly how I felt while eating at this place, "un cubano en Paris". According to my friend, to enter this place feels like a space-portal leading to France. I wouldnt know, Ive never been there but it seems pretty legit! Im definitely coming back here.

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MA

Marco B

My mouth slapped me for never having been here before. By far the best food Ive ever had in Miami. The wait wasnt even long enough to complain about. The Cheesecake Factory or Seasons 52 on a weekend is much worse and I wouldnt even try to compare the food. Everything is fresh and, in the end, perfection. Don’t be put off by the tiny venue (you will have a new friend in the table next to you by the time you finish your meal) in the end you won’t mind the close quarters. If I had to say one word about this place…sublime.

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