12 September 12-18, 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 | ▼ DADELAND MIAMI’S BEST CROQUETA SPOT OPENS AT DADELAND MALL FOOD COURT For the past 50 years, only one family-run res- taurant in Miami has been synonymous with delicious, house-made croquetas, and it’s none other than Islas Canarias. The Cuban restaurant founded in 1977 by the late Raul and Amelia Garcia has been a Miami staple at its original location in Tamiami and later in Kendall. Now, those who are closer to South Miami, Pinecrest, and Palmetto Bay no longer have to make the deep trek to Kendale Lakes or Tamiami to get their hands on the famous croquetas — Islas Ca- narias has just opened an express restaurant called Islas Canarias Cuban Ex- press at the food court inside Dade- land Mall. According to local food blogger George Arango of Mr. Eats 305, who shared the news in an Instagram Reel, the express restaurant is serving its fan-favorite croquetas, as well as brand new menu items such as bowls, sand- wiches, and Cuban burritos. “This is a game changer,” says Arango. Not only will you find the original croqu- etas at the express restaurant, but the express spot has launched brand new croquetas, in- cluding a kimchi pork croqueta, a gluten-free “OG” croqueta, a buffalo cauliflower croqu- eta, and a serrano ham croqueta. Plus, fans of the Cuban burrito will be thrilled to know their favorite burrito filled with Cuban vaca frita, maduros, and rice is just a quick detour on their way to attack the sales at Macy’s or Zara. Islas Canarias is currently run by the late founders’ daughter, Nancy Andrade, along with her children Eileen and Jonathan An- drade (Eileen is an acclaimed chef widely known for her restaurants Finka Table & Tap, Amelia’s 1931, and Barbakoa by Finka). The founders’ family recipes from Cuba have been preserved throughout the years under the careful watch of said children and grandchildren. Now, Jonathan, creator of Islas Canarias Cuban Express and COO of Canarias Foods Corp., is determined to bring the legacy of his family into the next generation with the first of many Islas Canarias Cuban Express loca- tions in Miami, with the first being at Dade- land Mall. Although this express spot lacks the casual yet elegant ambiance of the flagship restau- rant in Tamiami, it definitely carries the same delicious croquetas fans have craved for gen- erations. Islas Canarias Cuban Express. At Dadeland Mall’s dining pavilion (food court), 7535 N. Kendall Dr., Miami; simon.com. Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. NICOLE LOPEZ-ALVAR ▼ FORT LAUDERDALE FORT LAUDERDALE LANDMARK TO CLOSE IN OCTOBER A beloved Fort Lauderdale destination for visitors and locals for more than 30 years on the New River will see its last day in October. Riverfront restaurant Historic Downtowner and its next-door venue, Maxwell Room, will close on Sunday, October 6 after 30 years of serving delicious seafood, appetizers, and cocktails in downtown Fort Lauderdale. The landmark restaurant is one of a slew of restaurant and bar closures in Fort Lauder- dale, many of which served generations of residents. Owner Roger Craft took to Facebook to share the sudden news on Monday, Septem- ber 2, citing that he could no longer sustain the business. In the post, he writes, “Sadly, I must announce the closure of the Historic | TASTE TEST | ▼ Café Islas Canarias photo Miami’s best croquetas have just arrived to Dadeland Mall in Kendall. IT DEFINITELY CARRIES THE SAME DELICIOUS CROQUETAS FANS HAVE CRAVED FOR GENERATIONS.
