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Chef Val Chang is arguably one of the most acclaimed chefs in the Magic City. For the past years, alongside business partner/brother Chef Nando Chang, she’s wowed diners and critics at Itamae, their acclaimed Nikkei restaurant in the dazzling Miami Design District, which opened in 2018.
Among the kudos received for Itamae was the Changs being the first brother-and-sister team ever to be nominated jointly for a James Beard Award. Now, Val is preparing for the launch of an ambitious new project with Maty’s, a gorgeous indoor/outdoor restaurant just minutes from Itamae in Midtown Miami. Maty’s will signal Chef Chang’s first project as executive chef/owner, solely, but the restaurant itself is a true team effort, developed in cooperation with the collective behind Itamae and B-Side at 1-800-Lucky, including Chefs Nando and Papa Chang.
Slated to open during March at 3255 NE First Avenue, Maty’s — named after Chang’s grandmother — will serve traditional Peruvian cuisine, inspired by her family, informed by her professional training, and imbued with her unique style and big punchy flavors.
“The food that created me will be the food created here,” said Chang, who grew up in her native Chiclayo, Peru and relocated to Miami when she was 10. “Maty’s will be about celebrating Peruvian cuisine; not reimagining or redefining it. We will put an emphasis on seasonality and feature produce grown by our amazing local farmers whenever possible.
“Maty’s will be ode to both of my grandmothers, who taught me how to cook everything we will be serving here. This is the food that is closest to my heart and I want to honor that by executing it at the finest level without losing the soul and love that makes the food what it is.”
Dishes slated for the opening menu, which has yet to be revealed, include the following:
Black Grouper Ceviche with Torrejitas de Choclo
Yuca Rellena — Wagyu Strip, Alfonso Olive, Raisins
Lamb Seco with Cilantro and Squash
Wagyu Oxtail Saltado with Habanero, Cherry Tomato, Red Onion
In addition to an expansive setting — 150 seats inside and out including two large communal tables — the restaurant will have a bustling bar and lounge featuring a dynamic cocktail, spirits and drinks menu that will surely make Maty’s as beloved for its bar scene as its cuisine.
“We’re having a lot of fun developing the bar program,” said Chang, who has brought in none other than renowned mixologist Lynnette Marrero as beverage director. Truth be told, Maty’s will be a women-driven restaurant with additional players on the team including executive sous chef Estefania Andrade, sous chefs Luciana Perez and Baili Pettet, general manager Natalia Davis and service director Sam Gettis bringing their skills and perspectives to the table.
“I was blessed to have some amazing mentors in my professional life but have also seen firsthand what a lack of female leadership can lead to,” Chang said. “Maty’s will be an inclusive, safe and supportive professional environment. But we want to make it as fun to work here as it will be to dine.
“As a female chef and business owner I want to be a force for good in the industry that I love and have devoted my life to. And I also want to extend a helping hand to those that work with me and do everything I can to help them excel, grow and pursue their dreams, all while providing a great experience day-after-day and keeping our guests happy. That’s a dream worth chasing.”
Maty’s will open initially for dinner only at 4 p.m. nightly. It is located in Midtown Miami at 3255 NE First Ave. Visit www.matysmiami.com.
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