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Coconut Grove BID executive director Cynthia Seymour sits down to hash it up with Major Food Group’s Mario Carbone about the latest upscale Bistro.
Nestled in the heart of Coconut Grove is a gem of a restaurant that belongs to a family of prestigious international eateries owned by Major Food Group, an elite hospitality group organized by Restaurateurs Jeff Zalaznick, Rich Torrisi, and Mario Carbone.
Located on Mary Street, it’s called Sadelle’s and boasts of having America’s best bagels south of the New York border. Its menu also lists signature chopped salads, famous triple-decker sandwiches, and perfect cocktails. Its decor is chic, yet relaxed, and its staff is proficient in the niche known as luxury brunch — and theirs is available all day.
Seated at one of their Parisian-style tables tucked away in a cozy corner surrounded by exposed brick and ferns draping from the white-washed beams above, Coconut Grove BID executive director Cynthia Seymour caught up with Carbone in an effort to introduce him to other members of the Business Improvement District and to the public _ and learn why one of her newest “neighbors” is such a perfect fit for Coconut Grove.
CYNTHIA: Why did Major Food Group decide to open its newest restaurant here in the Grove?
MARIO: Coconut Grove is one of the country’s most historic and beautiful areas, and it feels like a true neighborhood. We love how there’s a sense of community — and it’s just the perfect place to take a stroll and have a relaxed meal in paradise. All those elements made Sadelle’s, in particular, the right Major Food Group restaurant to introduce to the area.
CYNTHIA: What’s involved in opening a new site, and specifically in Coconut Grove BID.
MARIO: It truly takes a village. Over the years, as we have grown, we have built a team that understands the way Jeff, Rich and I think — as well as the DNA of each restaurant, so that they can translate it to different areas. Because the challenge in every case is not to copy and paste. You want something that has a sense of place. That requires understanding the physical space and adapting the design, accordingly, immersing yourself in local culture, and working relentlessly. If you compare our Coconut Grove location of Sadelle’s to the ones in Paris or New York, it’s the perfect example of this idea.
CYNTHIA: It’s already been a few months since your grand opening. How’s it going
MARIO: It has been nothing short of fantastic so far here, on what I believe is one of the most stunning and pleasant corners in Miami. Sadelle’s feels like part of the community and it’s quintessentially Grove. In fact, we are already seeing many regulars visit three or four times a week.
CYNTHIA: Give us your “elevator pitch,” to describe your brand and this venue.
MARIO: Sadelle’s is a modern ode to New York’s classic tradition of all-day dining — our take on the legendary appetizing tradition that Jeff, Rich, and I have always loved, with the feel of a grand European cafe. We serve exceptional bagels, meticulously chopped salads, celebratory towers of smoked salmon, triple-decker sandwiches, all executed at the highest level. It’s a restaurant where you have a spritz or some ice-cold vodka and wish it could go on forever.
CYNTHIA: How have you been received thus far?
MARIO: One of the best parts of this job is getting to know your customers over time, and we are really enjoying that journey here. So, suffice to say, we’ve been received extremely well. The most heartening aspect of the reception so far is the number of locals who are now Sadelle’s supporters. It’s an honor to serve them — and to be a part of this amazingly vibrant business community.
CYNTHIA: Describe the design of the dining areas.
MARIO: Sadelle’s is inspired by grand cafes, as I mentioned, and has a light, joyful energy — an atmosphere that’s both energetic and relaxed. You’ll notice vibrant colors and patterns, such as light blue, salmon, tropical green tones, and the very finest materials throughout the space. This location has a large focus on outdoor seating in a beautiful fern garden with umbrellas.
CYNTHIA: Who is your target demographic ?
MARIO: We don’t have a target demographic, really, aside from understanding that it is important to build something that is first and foremost for a specific area but is so compelling it attracts people far beyond it. So far, so good in that respect.
CYNTHIA: The Grove is a progressive community, especially in the area of corporate responsibility. How are you striving to be a better environmental steward?
MARIO: This concern applies to all of our restaurants. A chef must understand how to minimize your footprint by limiting food waste as much as possible, sourcing from purveyors who don’t contribute to global warming, and making an effort to inform those around you, so they can be a part of the solution as well.
CYNTHIA: Tell us about your chef and his team.
MARIO: Chef Carlos is a consummate professional and excellent culinary talent who knows how to create wonderful food, as well as manage and nurture a team, which is everything you’d want from the person leading your restaurant. Implicitly, he understands Major Food Group’s extremely high standards and makes sure the team does, as well — while having fun.
CYNTHIA: Just curious, do they tap into the local fruit and produce that is grown right here in Miami-Dade County?
MARIO: Absolutely! Citrus, tomatoes, and strawberries, especially when they are in season.
CYNTHIA: What’s your favorite plate at Sadelle’s?
MARIO: A Zoey Salad with roasted salmon, asparagus, potatoes and green beans, and a French Toast to finish. But you can’t go wrong. I must confess that it never gets easier to choose, which is why it’s nice to bring some friends.
Located at the 3321 Mary St,, Miami, FL 33133 at the base of the Club Residences at Park Grove, contact Sadelle’s by calling 305-990-8707 or visit www.sadelles.com.
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