From the co-founder of Barú and Tu Candela – CRATE Plant-based Kitchen, Bar and Lounge, Miami’s first vegetarian and vegan culinary and nightlife experience, has opened its doors to the newest destination in hospitality and entertainment to arrive in Brickell, brought to life after years in development by restaurateur and designer, Anselmo Di Virgilio Hernandez.
Located on S. Miami Avenue in Brickell Village, CRATE is the latest addition to the heart of Miami’s downtown bar and business district and is open for casual walk-ins for lunch and dinner without a reservation. The CRATE menu offering can be viewed at www.cratemiami.com. The newly renovated 152-seat restaurant property includes indoor and outdoor patio dining areas that span over a spacious 3,700 square feet.
Chef Christopher Baugh (of “Sage” in Ubud, Bali) introduces an eclectic menu of vegetarian and vegan plates inspired by the knowledge harnessed from culinary ideologies in wellness and nutrition from around the world and during his time spent creating organically grown signature dishes of his own in Indonesia. As the very first plant-based culinary philosophy brought to Miami’s downtown district, CRATE opens for lunch and dinner, offering a casual dining experience that is simple and affordable, yet comfortably refined.
Guests will experience a unique after-hours lounge environment featuring a fully licensed bar set within a retro-contemporary living room designed and developed by the founder. All dishes offered on the menu at CRATE combine the very best in local ingredients sourced from premium South Florida suppliers. “We are delighted to open Brickell’s very first plant-based kitchen, bar and lounge,” said Anselmo Di Virgilio Hernandez, the founder of CRATE. “The concept upon which CRATE is based reflects the resolution that meets the needs of vegetarians and vegans who, like myself, have been looking for a casual dining option for quite some time. We aim to democratize healthy food that can now be enjoyed in an affordable and comfortable setting.
“The contemporary menu of international cuisine is inspired by our experiences visiting the most progressive and health-conscious culinary destinations around the world,” he added. “We look forward to welcoming our guests to a casual daytime and evening lounge environment that will be both warm and entertaining.” CRATE delivers an eclectic menu of seasonal plates presented to the table in a home cooked style with flavors that may be difficult to distinguish from the original meat-based menus offered elsewhere. Example Starters include Buffalo “Wings” with a side of Ranch ($9.50); Summer Rolls with fresh herbs, Julienned veggies, roasted peanuts and sesame seeds with dipping sauce ($9.50); “Holy Guacamole” with house made chips and Pico de Gallo ($11.50) a selection of fries and Soup of the Day.
Salads from the Deli include the “Killer Kale” with organic kale, creamy Tahini dressing, avocado, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olive, sprouts and hemp hearts ($11) and “Trickin’ Ceasar Salad” with organic greens, basil, croutons, kalamata, cucumber and topped with crispy “chicken” strips ($12.50). A choice of sumptuous burgers (made with a Mung Bean, organic brown rice and roasted vegetable base), are served with organic fries and a choice of vegan cheese on request. CRATE Plant-based Kitchen, Bar and Lounge is located at 100 SE Ninth St. (corner of SE Ninth Street and Brickell Plaza), Miami, Florida 33131 and is now open for daily lunch and dinner service from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. (Sunday-Wednesday) and 11 a.m. to 4 a.m. (Thursday-Saturday). Happy Hour is between 4 and 7 p.m. offering two for one beers, wines or liquor.
For more information, call 786-534.2538 or visit www.CRATEMiami.com.
