41 OCTOBER 5-11, 2023 miaminewtimes.com | browardpalmbeach.com NEW TIMES | CONTENTS | LETTERS | NEWS | NIGHT+DAY | CULTURE | CAFE | MUSIC | miaminewtimes.com MIAMI NEW TIMES | CONTENTS | LETTERS | RIPTIDE | METRO | NIGHT+DAY | STAGE | ART | FILM | CAFE | MUSIC | ▼ DOWNTOWN LA BOULANGERIE BOUL’MICH TO OPEN FLAGSHIP AT DUPONT BUILDING A growing Key Biscayne-born café that once operated as a humble local bakery is taking the next step in its brand evolution. La Boulangerie Boul’Mich — a Latin-in- fused European bakery with origins that trace back to 1998 at 328 Crandon Boulevard — will open its flagship location in downtown Miami in the coming months. What’s special about this latest outpost isn’t just a return to its roots — it’s the build- ing itself. The newest iteration is set inside the Alfred I. duPont Building, a historic struc- ture currently undergoing restoration and renovations at 169 E. Flagler Street. The La Boulangerie Boul’Mich name pays homage to the Boulevard Saint Michel in Paris’ Latin Quarter. The neighborhood is re- nowned for its cozy literary cafés, lush gar- dens, and Roman architectural flair. Here in South Florida, the vibe of La Bou- langerie Boul’Mich is less a quaint French brasserie and more open and brighter — with a lengthy coffee bar as its anchor, showcase pastry displays, and a chalkboard-like wall with artistic homages to France and coffee. Cohen and three fellow Venezuela-born partners say they purchased the former La Nueva Boulangerie brand from chef/owner Massimo Stanzione in 2014. The new owners added Boul’Mich to the name as an homage to their Latin roots and the cultural flair they later put to French classics. From the initial acquisition, Cohen and his partners had some classic French recipes to work with, most notably with the fan-favorite Norwegian eggs Benedict topped with smoked salmon, tomato, asparagus, and hol- landaise sauce. Throughout the years, and thanks to chef/ partner Gabriel De Chene, the menu has taken on a noticeably Latin pizzazz, extend- ing from the classic almond croissant to new favorites like the guava and cheese croissant, dulce de leche croissant, a variety of empana- das, and tres leches in a jar. Beyond the Key Biscayne location, La Boulangerie Boul’Mich also operates in Aventura, Pinecrest, Boca Raton, and Doral. Plans are to move the baking to a central kitchen near Miami International Airport, while Kendall and West Palm Beach fran- chises are in the works. “We’re thrilled we were able to secure a lease in such a landmark building and create a space that respects the history,” La Boulange- rie Boul’Mich co-owner Avy Cohen tells New Times. “We really believe in this location and can’t wait for it to showcase our flagship res- taurant.” La Boulangerie Boul’Mich. At the Historic Alfred I. duPont Building,169 E. Flagler St., Miami; laboulangerieusa.com. Opening mid to late 2024. JESSE SCOTT ▼ DORAL TRIPPING ANIMALS AND CENTER FOR GREAT APES COLLABORATE ON ANNIVERSARY BREWS Good beer for a good cause? That’s a win-win situation, especially when it comes to a spe- cial collaboration between Miami-based Tripping Animals Brewing and the Center for Great Apes. Recently, the two joined forces to com- memorate the Florida-based sanctuary’s 30th anniversary with three exclusive craft beers that blend flavor with philanthropy. When the Wauchula-based nonprofit ded- icated to providing lifetime care for orang- utans and chimpanzees initially reached out to Tripping Animals Brewing, it was with a private-label request. Instead, the brewery took it one step fur- ther, crafting three custom brews made espe- cially for the milestone anniversary. Jane Watkins, a board of directors mem- ber at the Center for Great Apes, recently shared her thoughts on the project’s genesis with New Times. “I reached out to Tripping Animals Brew- ing to see if they would private label a beer so we had a way to mark the 30th anniversary of the Center for Great Apes,” she says. “In- stead, they asked to meet in response to my request and eventually said they could do bet- ter than I originally requested.” Ignacio Montenegro, cofounder and CMO of Tripping Animals Brewing Company, tells New Times the brewery’s motivation behind going above and beyond the initial request was born from a love of animals. “Our best way to support them was to cre- ate the most impact and showcase the sanctu- ary through what we do best: our beer and our distinctive art,” explains Montenegro, whose brewery is well-known for its animal- themed beers and label art. Montenegro says the creative process be- hind the commemorative brews involved a thoughtful fusion of flavors, art, and storytell- ing. Each beer is named after a great ape re- siding at the Florida sanctuary. The three beers include “Jacob,” a sour ale conditioned with mango, banana, and Florida blossom honey; “Keagan,” a crisp pale golden lager; and “Bubbles,” a hazy India pale ale brewed with Simcoe, Mosaic, and Azacca hops that ring through for that signature hazy-style bold citrusy taste. According to Montenegro, David Leon, art director at Tripping Animals, played a pivotal role in crafting the labels and was happy to work with the sanctuary. “David meticulously crafted distinctive animal designs for each label and masterfully orchestrated the entire artistic ensemble,” Montenegro explains. “These labels are even more remarkable because they feature art- work by the great apes, genuinely showcasing their unique contributions to the project.” The collaboration extends beyond creat- ing these unique brews, with Tripping Ani- mals Brewing dedicated to donating proceeds from selling these custom beers to support the Center for Great Apes. Restaurants and bars interested in offering these unique brews may pre-order them through Sunshine Distributor or contact David Lopez, a local sales representative at Tripping Animals Brewing. Montenegro tells New Times the brewery’s | TASTE TEST | ▼ Café La Boulangerie Boul’Mich photo The spread at La Boulangerie Boul’Mich Center For Great Apes photo A special beer collaboration by Tripping Animals Brewing will benefit the Center for Great Apes.
