14 JULY 18-24, 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 | “We’re keeping some classics from the original menu but also introducing new dishes that reflect our journey and the flavors of Miami,” she shares. One of the dishes Bernstein is most excited about includes a carbonara croqueta with shaved and salted cured egg yolk. The restaurant’s wood-burning oven will play a central role, as well, infusing dishes like an oxtail lasagna as well as a split whole fish with a “red and white gazpacho” twist, inspired by Mexican flavors but reimagined with a Mediterranean touch. Bernstein is also bringing aboard British chef Andrew Gilbert, who gained local notoriety for his hearty American comfort food with a British twist at the now-shuttered Coral Gables eatery, Seven Dials. Being hyper-local isn’t just a trend for Ber- nstein and Martinez; it’s a way of life. “My ca- reer has been dedicated to engaging with the community,” Bernstein notes proudly. From sourc- ing ingredients at lo- cal farmers markets to collaborating with nearby purveyors and participating in Mi- ami’s vibrant food and wine events, Bernstein and her husband’s commitment to support- ing local businesses runs deep. “We’re not just opening a restaurant, we’re weaving our- selves into the fabric of Miami. It’s about giv- ing back to the community that has supported us throughout the years,” she adds. Miami Has Changed Since 2012, and So Has Sra. Martinez Since Sra. Martinez’s closure in 2012, Mi- ami’s dining scene has evolved significantly, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Bernstein, today’s diners are more discerning, seeking out res- taurants that offer not just great food but also memorable experiences and a strong sense of community. “People want to feel a connection to the places they dine,” she ex- plains. “They crave authenticity and a per- sonal touch.” This shift has informed the decision to partner with Blackbird, a tech platform that helps restaurants directly connect and re- ward their guests. Founded by the creator of Eater and Resy, the loyalty platform has gar- nered popularity in New York and is set to launch in Miami soon with Sra. Martinez as its inaugural restaurant partner. The three- tiered program will give guests early access to reservations before the public, invitations to invite-only events, complimentary treats dur- ing dining, restaurant swag, and more. As Sra. Martinez prepares to reopen its doors, Bernstein and Martinez are eager to welcome old friends and new patrons alike. “We’re ready to share our passion for food, hospitality, and community with Miami,” she declares. Their journey from Sra. Martinez to this new venture in Coral Gables is not just a continuation but a celebration of culinary art- istry and local pride. “This is our life,” Marti- nez reflects warmly. “We’re here for our guests, our community, and each other.” Sra. Martinez. 2325 Galiano St., Coral Ga- bles; sramartinezmiami.com. Opening fall 2024. MICHELLE MUSLERA “MY CAREER HAS BEEN DEDICATED TO ENGAGING WITH THE COMMUNITY.”
