Chef Michael Beltran, renown for the flavorful, soulful cooking at the charming Coconut Grove eatery Ariete, will expand his presence in the Grove with the eminent opening of Chug’s, a one-of-a-kind Cuban diner in the former The Bookstore and Kitchen space.
Set to open early April, the new eatery will be Chef Beltran’s take on a traditional diner, serving up inventive Cuban-inspired breakfast, lunch, dinner and treats at prices designed for every day, and multiple day, visits. Whether it’s a quick pick-me-up in the form of a perfect Cafecito, a sandwich to go or a casual dinner with friends, Chug’s is designed to be the Grove’s favorite new hangout.
Beyond Beltran’s fare, Chug’s (the chef’s nickname) will serve as the official home to Pastelito Papi, chef Giovanni Fesser’s wildly popular alter-ego and the mastermind behind some of Miami’s most sinful and delicious pastelitos.
Similar to a neighborhood ventanita, Chef Beltran envisions Chug’s to serve as a local stop and go joint, whether it is local cyclists and runners popping in for water or folks looking to set up shop on the courtyard, have breakfast and get a jump on emails.
“I want people to feel as at home at Chug’s as I in Coconut Grove,” Chef Beltran said. “It’s where I’ve built a life and made my living with Ariete for more than three years. Chug’s was designed specifically with this neighborhood in mind. And I hope it’s something the locals embrace as their own.”
Offering a simple, thoughtfully crafted menu divided into Breakfast, Fritas, Handhelds, Salads, Large Plates, With Milk, and Sweets and Baked Goods, there is something for everyone. Breakfast items offered all day include La Completa — three eggs, toast, and breakfast potatoes; Abuela’s Breakfast — white rice, fried egg, black beans and maduros; Breakfast Sandwich — Taylor ham, fried egg and papitas served on Cuban bread; French Toast Sticks, and a Cast Iron Pancake that will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
With Milk options run the gamut from classic cereal such as Apple Jacks, Wheaties, and Cheerios, among others to fancy concoctions, Chef’s specialty blend, and granola. An extended menu with additional specialty breakfast items also will be available from 7 to 11 a.m.
Of course, no menu crafted by Chef Michael Beltran would be complete without his signature Cuban Fritas. Chug’s will offer the Classic — chorizo, papitas and ketchup on fresh potato bread; the Pop’s — blue cheese and caramelized onion; the Americano — American cheese, Chug sauce and a bread and butter pickles, and the Breakfast frita — egg, Taylor ham and mayo.
Hearty Handhelds include Pan Con Lechon — Cuban bread, roast pork, tuna tonnato and mojo onions; Duck Medianoche — duck confit, orange mustard, country ham, Swiss cheese and house made pickles; Minuta — snapper, tomato, shaved lettuce, caper aioli served on Cuban bread; and quarter-pound burger — all beef patty, Monterey Jack cheese, LTO and Dijonnaise.
On the lighter side, guests can opt for the Egg Salad Sandwich — farm egg, house mayo, smooth mustard and chive, or choose from the carefully curated salad selection. Options include Burrata and Avocado — grilled bread, burrata, avocado, cucumber, evoo and maldon salt; and Wedge Salad — baby iceberg, green goddess, Bayley Hazen blue cheese, heirloom tomato, herbs, crispy garlic and Beltran’s bacon.
Large Plates will offer selections like Pork Milanese — pork chop, stewed peppers and Swiss cheese, and Rabo Encendido — braised oxtail, cheddar grits, red wine and arugula.
“I am very proud of my heritage as a Miami-born Cuban-American. It informs much of what I do in the kitchen,” Beltran adds.
“Ariete is a contemporary American restaurant but the inspirations I take from my childhood is evident. Chug’s is a more direct homage to that — simple, delicious, affordable and fun.”
The Sweets & Baked Goods portion of the menu will be headlined by Pastelito Papi, who will be serving up some of his famed favorites like Buffalo Chicken, Frita, PB&J and Redland Guava pastelitos. House made croquetas include the classic ham, Ariete short rib, and a rotating seasonal flavor.
“Now people don’t’ have to wait for Sundays at Ariete to get a fix of Pastelito Papi,” Beltran noted. “But supplies will be limited on a day-to -day basis so get them while you can.”
Fans of Ariete’s infamous candy cap mushroom-infused flan should prepare for a new unique twist on the classic, Cajeta and Goat Cheese Flan. Additional desserts include a Strawberry Cheesecake cookie, Fluffed Nutter cookie and seasonal pie.
The quaint space will have an expansive outdoor patio and a Grab & Go station featuring items from local vendors. Chug’s, located at 3444 Main Hwy. in Coconut Grove, will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Breakfast will be available all day with a selection of breakfast only specialty dishes served from 7 to 11 a.m. Lunch and dinner will be served 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Follow Chug’s on Instagram @chugsdiner.
