16 April 25 - MAy 1, 2024 miaminewtimes.com | browardpalmbeach.com New Times | music | cafe | culture | Night+Day | News | letters | coNteNts | miaminewtimes.com MIAMI NEW TIMES | MUSIC | CAFE | FILM | ART | STAGE | NIGHT+DAY | METRO | RIPTIDE | LETTERS | CONTENTS | hospitals, and more, will continue to serve communities through operations in Hallandale, Orlando, and Atlanta. Fans of Icebox Cafe’s famous cakes can still order full cakes and desserts for nationwide delivery on goldbelly.com. NICOLE LOPEZ-ALVAR ▼ KEY BISCAYNE ARGENTINEAN SIBLINGS OPEN LIMA ESTILO NIKKEI IN KEY BISCAYNE Since they were young, María, Ramon, and Santiago Garcia Calvo have been passionate about gastronomy. So passionate that they be- came business partners who would eventu- ally open not one, but three successful restaurants in Buenos Aires, and now, the res- taurant’s first international outpost in the city of Key Biscayne in Miami. The story of these entrepreneurial (and culinary-driven) siblings started in Nordelta, Buenos Aires. In 2019, the siblings decided to open a small restaurant called Lima Estilo Nikkei, merging Peruvian and Japanese cui- sines. María tells the New Times it was a unique proposal for the area, but it soon be- came an overwhelming success. “Despite our expectations to focus on delivery and take away, the overwhelming demand pushed us to focus on in-house service,” says María. “It exceeded our initial expectations. The pan- demic of 2020 challenged us but also pro- vided opportunities for growth. With the expansion of delivery service and the loyalty of our customers, we expanded our facilities and our kitchen.” For the next few years, Lima Estilo Nik- kei’s popularity grew in Buenos Aires. In Oc- tober 2021, the siblings opened a second restaurant branch in the heart of Recoleta, within the Hub Porteño Hotel, and in 2023, they opened a third outpost in Pilar. With all of this success across Argentina, the siblings knew their next venture would be an interna- tional one. This is what led them to Key Biscayne. “We first started in 2022 with two dark kitchens in Miami Beach and Wynwood,” re- calls María. “That’s when we realized that Miami’s vibrant culinary scene and diverse cultural landscape made it an ideal location for our expansion. Planning the opening in Key Biscayne was both exciting and challeng- ing. We were inspired by the opportunity to introduce our concept to a new community and eager to immerse ourselves in the local culture. We’re thrilled to bring the spirit of Lima to Key Biscayne.” To María, Key Biscayne stood out thanks to its vibrant community and many Argentin- ean residents. In February, the siblings opened their official Miami branch on Cran- don Boulevard. Lima Estilo Nikkei focuses on creating a “home away from home” atmosphere for all clients, including those with a special con- nection to Argentine culture. The siblings found a way to bring their own sense of home to every restaurant, which is why, displayed along a dining room wall, guests will find the saying, “Muy Bonito el Bailecito,” a phrase their grandfather Paco used to say every time he ended a beau- tiful day, whether it was at work, with friends, or with family. The menu highlights Nik- kei-inspired dishes that rely on both tradi- tional and inno- vative techniques. Some of the signature items in- clude the truffled salmon belly nigiri with truffle oil, lime, and lemon zest, as well as the wasabi ceviche with a daily catch, octopus, and scallops in wasabi tiger milk, cilantro, and house furikake. Other dishes on the menu include innova- tive rolls such as the “Steamed Prawn Ebiqui- noa,” vegetarian options, and fish-free dishes like the traditional lomo saltado. “One dish guests shouldn’t miss is our sig- nature truffle nigiri,” says María. “It perfectly encapsulates the bold flavors and exquisite craftsmanship of Nikkei cuisine. We invite guests to embark on a culinary journey with us and experience the flavors of Lima in the heart of Miami.” The siblings hope the Key Biscayne location opens the door to expanding Lima’s flavors and culture to other locations around Miami. Lima Estilo Nikkei. 180 Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne; 786-484-9955; limaestilonikkei.com. Tuesday through Sunday 6 to 11 p.m. RACHEL COSTA Photo by Sebastián Israelit The menu at Lima Estilo Nikkei is a fusion of Peruvian and Japanese cuisine. WITH ALL OF THIS SUCCESS ACROSS ARGENTINA, THE SIBLINGS KNEW THEIR NEXT VENTURE WOULD BE AN INTERNATIONAL ONE.
