This dish is so special that it’s the only main dish you can order at Coconut Grove’s newest restaurant. Cotoletta photo
Coconut Grove, FL – A new restaurant is making waves in the Miami food scene by serving just one main dish — and it’s already gaining buzz. Cotoletta, the newest Italian bistro in Coconut Grove, opens its doors on Friday, October 18, 2024, and promises to deliver an unforgettable dining experience by focusing on a single star dish: cotoletta alla Milanese.
This dish, a traditional Italian veal cutlet fried to crispy perfection, is the centerpiece of the menu, and the restaurant’s founders are confident that its simplicity and quality will keep customers coming back. The three partners behind this bold concept — Ignacio Lopez Mancisidor, Mattia Cicognani, and third-generation restaurateur Andrea Fraquelli — have crafted an experience where cotoletta alla Milanese isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of Italian culinary tradition.
Cotoletta alla Milanese, or veal Milanese, is a well-known dish in Italy, particularly in the northern regions. The cutlet, typically veal, is breaded and pan-fried in a mix of butter and oil until golden brown, achieving a balance between crispiness on the outside and tenderness on the inside. It’s a simple recipe but one that requires great skill to master. The dish is finished with rosemary and lemon zest, offering a fragrant and flavorful profile that delights the senses. This simplicity is what Cotoletta’s owners are betting on.
Andrea Fraquelli, one of the restaurant’s founders, shares that this one-dish restaurant idea had been on his mind for over ten years. Fraquelli, who has roots in northern Italy, grew up around the cotoletta dish. “My grandfather introduced this dish to the UK when he opened his own restaurant in the 1950s,” he explains. “This was always the dish that people loved the most. So, the idea of dedicating a restaurant to it just made sense.”
In the restaurant business, launching with a limited menu can be a risky move. However, Fraquelli and his partners believe that the quality and authenticity of their dish will win people over. Their vision is simple: focus on doing one thing exceptionally well.
When guests dine at Cotoletta, they will enjoy a multi-course meal that begins with a selection of seasonal antipasti, followed by the star of the show, cotoletta alla Milanese. The dish is served on the bone, keeping with tradition, and guests can choose from three classic Italian sides: spaghetti al pomodoro e basilico (spaghetti with tomato and basil sauce), house fries, or a salad. The entire meal is designed to be shared between two people, priced at $80 for the main dish and sides.
Though cotoletta alla Milanese is the sole main course, the restaurant also offers a selection of Italian-inspired desserts. These desserts continue the theme of authenticity, with options like a flourless chocolate cake, a cheesecake with raspberry coulis, and Cotoletta’s signature dessert — the Vanilla Affogato Supreme. This indulgent dessert features Italian gelato topped with a double shot of espresso, blending hot and cold to create a rich and satisfying end to the meal. Each dessert is priced at $9.
The idea of offering only one main dish might seem limiting, but Cotoletta’s founders are confident that their approach will set them apart in Miami’s crowded dining scene. Coconut Grove, known for its eclectic mix of restaurants, bars, and cafés, provides the perfect backdrop for this unique concept. The small, quaint bistro offers an intimate setting, making it ideal for couples or small groups looking for a special dining experience.
For those skeptical about the idea of a one-dish restaurant, Fraquelli points out that focusing on a single item allows them to ensure the highest level of quality and consistency. “We believe that people will appreciate the attention to detail. By narrowing the menu, we can make sure that every dish we serve is perfect.”
Cotoletta’s opening comes at a time when the Miami dining scene is seeing a resurgence of interest in authentic, regional cuisines. With more people seeking out dining experiences that offer a true taste of a country’s culinary culture, Cotoletta hopes to carve out a niche as the go-to spot for lovers of Italian cuisine, especially those craving something simple yet unforgettable.
Whether Cotoletta’s single-dish concept will become a trendsetter remains to be seen, but for now, the restaurant’s founders are excited to share their passion for this Italian classic. With its focus on high-quality ingredients, traditional preparation methods, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, Cotoletta is ready to become a must-visit destination for food lovers in Coconut Grove and beyond.
As Cotoletta opens its doors on Friday, October 18, local food enthusiasts are eager to see if this one-dish wonder will live up to its promise. If the buzz surrounding the restaurant is any indication, it might just become Coconut Grove’s next culinary hit.
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