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With its oceanfront setting, Costa Grill, located at Acqualina Resort & Residences is one of Miami’s most sought-after dining destinations and is open for lunch to hotel guests of the award-winning resort. The new menu of Floridian and Mediterranean flavors was masterfully curated by Head Chef Enrique Villardefrancos and offers the perfect daytime dining spot under elegant palms and the shade of red umbrellas.
From Ahi Tuna Carpaccio with watercress salad, caper berries, and a citrus ginger vinaigrette to local mangrove honey and Adobo-marinated Mahi Mahi tacos with cabbage slaw, Cotija cheese, and chipotle salsa, the combination of flavors comes from fresh ingredients and often the chef’s personal recipes. The varied array of dishes delivers the spirit of Florida enhanced by unique Mediterranean flavors through special cooking techniques.
“The Ahi tuna and Mahi Mahi are caught fresh every morning,” says Chef Villardefrancos, “then we combine ‘Floridian’ flavors like the guava barbecue sauce for the chicken wings,” he says, “and I use a special personal recipe in the shrimp cocktail’s Island Cocktail Sauce with just a dash of Caribbean white rum to make it exciting.”
Another personal recipe is the Costa Aioli that accompanies Villardefranco’s favorite dish: Grilled Octopus, one he is most excited for guests to try. “We use a sous vide technique and cook the octopus at 180 degrees for four hours,” explains Villardefrancos. “It’s then marinated with Spanish smoked paprika and grilled before being served with my special Costa Aioli recipe, a mixture of Florida honey, fresh cilantro, mustard, and curry for a sensational flavor combination.”
The new menu includes four delectable salads from the Sunny Isles with hearts of palm, black quinoa, Driscoll strawberries, cherry tomatoes, and baby kale in a Tuscan vinaigrette to a fresh Niçoise and traditional Caesar and Greek selections. Optional protein additions include seared salmon, grilled shrimp, albacore tuna, and chicken.
Traditional favorites include Margherita and pepperoni pizzas, tuna salad sandwich, a catch of the day, and The Acqua Burger, with eight ounces of Wagyu beef accompanied by mushroom duxelles, Brie cheese, Boston lettuce, tomato, and grilled onion – with a plant-based vegan option available.
A unique cocktail and wine list complements the dining experience. Costa Grill is open for lunch daily and available for hotel guests and Acqualina residents. For more information, visit acqualinaresort.com.
