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(Photo credit Dan Kocsis)
Situated in the heart of the Wynwood Arts District, R House is a contemporary restaurant and bar as heralded for its soulful menu as it was for its bustling weekend brunch scene.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, R House proprietors, executive chef/owner Rocco Carulli and director of operations/husband Owen Bale saw amid the mandated closures and restrictions an opportunity to revamp, refine and relaunch a refreshed version of the restaurant. Now, as they approach their seventh anniversary, the Wynwood eatery known best for its modern American plates, extravagant drag performances and lively atmosphere, is officially announcing its bold, new Latin-inspired menu and elevated bar program inspired by the vivacious flavors of Miami.
“I’m sure I am not alone when I say, this has been a difficult time for everyone in the restaurant and hospitality business,” Carulli said. “We’ve implemented major changes to our space to ensure a safe, fun environment for our guests without compromising our identity. We used this time wisely to revive our menu and iron out entertainment protocol so needless to say we’re ecstatic to be seating customers again, and grateful for this chance to elevate all aspects of R House.”
A major aspect to that elevation, newly appointed manager Fabio Romero, formerly of Sugarcane, has joined the team and will oversee all restaurant operations and monitor safety measures.
Chef Rocco’s new menu is nothing short of a love letter to Miami mixing the flavors of the Magic City’s Latin flair, his classic culinary training and deep experience with global cuisine. The dinner menu is divided into 10 sections: Arepas, Empanadas, Croquetas, Ceviches, Tostones, Charcuterie, Salads, Sandwiches, Large Plates and Snacks. To start, new offerings to include a variety of shareables boasting the bold Latin flavors Miamians crave and visitors desire. Standout starters include the Arepa with coffee-braised short rib, pico de gallo, cilantro crema and crispy onions; Empanada with mojo pork, roasted maize and feta, and Croquetas with roasted sweet potato, and queso de mano verde. The appetizer highlights continue with the wildly refreshing Red Snapper Ceviche made with passion fruit, watermelon radish, jalapeno and red onion, and Shrimp Tostones with avocado, heirloom tomato pico de gallo and cilantro crema.
Flavorful and comforting sandwiches, are not to be missed such as the Cuban — slow roasted mojo pork, serrano ham, pickles, local mustard, swiss cheese served on Zak The Baker bread, and the Angus Burger topped with shredded pork, swiss cheese and chipotle BBQ served on a brioche bun.
Heartier dishes from the Large Plates showcase an eclectic mix of Latin-inspired dishes including Short Rib Ropa Vieja with roasted red pepper sauce and maduros; Peruvian Aji-Roasted Chicken, and Moqueca, a modern version of the traditional Brazilian seafood stew made with local fish, Florida shrimp, scallops, ginger, coconut milk, tomatoes and peppers. Guests can end on a sweet note with a selection of decadent desserts like the Rainbow Churros with spiced liquid chocolate; Passionfruit Tres Leches, and Dark Chocolate Coconut Clusters made with pumpkin, sunflower and chia seeds.
In addition to the refreshed R House dinner menu, the neighborhood gem recently revamped itys sought-after brunch offerings. Hosted by Athena Dion (Miss Ultimate Miami Drag Queen), the famed R House Brunch features an impressive spread of brunch items to nosh on while enjoying Miami’s most storied drag performances.
French Toast topped with fresh berries and whipped cream; Bomba Rice Veggie Bowl, butternut squash, cauliflower, mushrooms, Brussels sprouts, peppers; R Cuban Breakfast with scrambled eggs, moros y cristianos and tostones, and Avocado Toast served with bacon, fried egg and garlic mushrooms.
Brunch sides are served a la cart Mac and Cheese with mozzarella, black truffle and porcini mushrooms; Grilled Italian Pork Sausage or Quinoa Salad. Additional a la carte offerings include Sweet Chili Chicken Wings; Truffle Parm Hand Cut Fries, and Guacamole.
True to its Wynwood roots, the 6,000-square-foot indoor/outdoor restaurant is designed to emulate the modern feel of an art gallery. The spacious, yet intimate 200-seat space features a large dining room with a 12-seat bar, a charming outdoor terrace adorned with string lights and tropical foliage and lounge area where guests may continue to enjoy all R House has to offer. Eclectic and cozy, the eatery’s industrial feel has softened post-pandemic; with cool textures and funky colors, the reimagined decor bring life to the space adding to the to convivial energy that lives on at R House.
R House, located at 2727 NW Second Ave. in Wynwood, was scheduled to launch its new menu offerings on Friday, Oct. 16. The restaurant is open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4 to 10 p.m.; Fridays from 4 to 11 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Happy Hour is available from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday through Friday. The restaurant will be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays until further notice. Telephone 305-576-0201 or visit www.rhousewynwood.com.
