St. Roch Market Miami is located in the Miami Design District (sister location is in New Orleans) - I admit out of the three food halls I have been to in Miami this is my favorite. It's the atmosphere, the overall vibe, and the bar. It's like going to your local pub but in an upscale way. For this space, they have thought of everything. The staff is immaculately dressed, extremely knowledgeable and engaging. The décor creates a vintage, shabby chic meets modern vide that is on point for anyone who walks through doors. The aromas of the market, the clinking of dishes mingling with the sounds of jazz or Latin or whatever they have coming out that day sets the mood for connecting, sharing. Think of your favorite restaurants, favorite food trucks all under one roof. It's a brilliant play by the owners.
They have music, food, and dancing on Monday nights. It seems like there is always something going on. During the day it's family-friendly and your dog can go but they have to stay on the patio which is shaded and pretty fun in its own right. Did I mention there are swings which double as an art installation (sister installation at the Perez Art Museum)? It's covered in vines and a perfect spot for that selfie. The atmosphere is bright, energy is vibrant and the décor is always changing. If you need coffee, they have. Want Italian or Vietnamese, want foie gras dumplings? They have it. Everything is on point all the time no matter if they just opened or it's two a.m.
But let's talk about why I go. I go for three reasons; the food at Coop, the cookies at Chef Chloe and the booze because the bartenders here know what they are doing.
Coop -
Now I'm a southern girl born and raised. I love indulging in fried chicken. It's hard to find it done right but this place knocks it out of the park with their seasonings and that crunchy crust. I have tried a few items but I have to say the tacos are my absolute favorite. They are tangy, crunchy and sour all in one. The balance is mouth-watering and mind-blowing. I always say I am going to try something different and yet I go back again and again. I don't think I have ever left without getting the tacos. Now mind you there are some amazing spots here with out of this world flavors like the Vietnamese stand, Yuzu with their out of bounds dumplings and tucked back in the corner is an Italian spot that will make you think you just landed in Italy but, Coop captured me and I'm forever theirs.
Chef Chloe - Those cookies. This is a vegan spot by the way. Her cookies, cakes, cupcakes and soft serve are all vegan. Don't let that put you off though. This is something special and sumptuous. I always get the blonde rocky road but I would also recommend the rocky road if you love deep chocolate or the salted chocolate chip or the mocha but you get the point. They are all good. Now that soft serve; if you are lucky they will have the matcha but, if you are really lucky they will have the chocolate. It is rich, balanced and guiltless because it is made with cashew butter. It typically comes served in half a small coconut but you can also have it in a cup to go.
The Mayhaw - Now let's talk about the bar, it's stacked and always rotating with different spirits. They keep it clean, damn near spotless with a seamless flow of customers, and the seats are never cold. While it is always busy and the bar rotates through, people are always willing to squeeze you in, share what they ordered and why. They host a myriad of events, as I mentioned above. This particular evening I'm here for the Bourbon 101. These events are marketed as a class with vendors discussing the distillation process but in truth, it's a free sampling where you can go around, meet brand ambassadors, taste the products, and maybe discover a new favorite. This is the second one I have attended, first being a gin 101 which I talked about in a Trip to the Gin. The excitement is the low key, no rush vibe where no one is in a hurry and everyone wants to chat, share their stories and talk about what separates their brand from everyone else.
After making the tasting rounds you can saddle back up to the bar, craft a cocktail or have Maxwell, Valentine or Bartholomew whip up something that will take your chosen spirit to a new level. These guys work on their craft day in and day out churning out very inventive and insane flavors. The showmanship that goes into the pour is like watching a master craftsman at work.
There's a gin that is infused with honey and served with lavender bitters, a touch of lemon but best of all it is served in a honey bear jar. Then you have the tortilla infused tequila, you're going to want a shot of this but take a step back and go slow. Just nose it and let the aroma work it's magic before you taste. Think infusion is a margarita on the tip and a peated scotch in the back. It's a journey that's strong so go slow or you'll wake up wondering what happened. If fruit forward is more your thing, ask if they have the hibiscus, pineapple, caipirinha slushy going. It's a tropical waterslide in a glass that takes you sliding through a forest with a light rain shimmering down in the sun. It brings joy with a tart touch on the finish that brings you back to the present. Or better yet just pick your spirit and give the guys free rein. You won't be sorry.
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