Comments on: First impressions: Canela Cafe

By: paula

paula — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 19:11:53 +0000

Thanks for sharing, Sabring. I’m starting to believe it’s probably been enough time and I should give it another shot.

By: Sabrina

Sabrina — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 17:26:12 +0000

I recently relocated to Miami and live a bit down Biscayne. A couple friends and I sauntered into Canela Cafe, and it’s now become our routine destination. I’ve easily been there a dozen times in the few months since I’ve moved down here.

The service was friendly, the food was good, and the atmosphere was nice and casual. I think perhaps your visit was an anomaly.

By: Ed

Ed — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 18:09:08 +0000

” ‘I donâ€™t think anyone actually aspires to be a Spanish tapas bar.’ Just every middling Cuban joint.”

Yep MF, you’re right. I’m sure you’re an expert an middling joints since that’s where your tastes probably lie. How’s about you stay away from Cuban joints and satisfy yourself at the Cheescake Factory in Aventura – that way you get the large portions you crave and avoid those middling Cubans.

By: Blind Mind

Blind Mind — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 03:11:04 +0000

Sounds like you got the typical Miami experience at a Cuban joint. I wouldnt go back. Those places are a dime a dozen. Dont give them the satisfaction. I used to go a place in the Grove about 3 times a week for a good couple of years. They pissed me off one day and I havent set foot in there in 6 months. DOnt miss it one bit. There are plenty of eating options in Miami.

By: Mary Fisher

Mary Fisher — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 22:44:21 +0000

“I donâ€™t think anyone actually aspires to be a Spanish tapas bar.” Just every middling Cuban joint.

By: paula

paula — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 19:59:22 +0000

I love mom and pop shops so I really wasn’t expecting perfection. Walking out that night I saw some dishes on other people’s tables that looked splendid — a calamari salad-type dish was one of them — which made me think I should go back to try other items on their menu. It may take a little bit of time but I’m sure I’ll give it another shot.

By: Ed

Ed — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 19:40:16 +0000

It had to have been an off night. I’ve been there countless times with no issues whatsoever (aside from some specials having run out which I consider par for the course). I think you should give it another shot because we’ve always enjoyed our meals there, both food and service-wise.

As for MF’s comments that it’s a “middling cuban joint with pretensions to being a Spanish tapas bar ” give me a break. Restaurants aspire to be fine dining, destination restaurants, etc. I don’t think anyone actually aspires to be a Spanish tapas bar.

By: Mary Fisher

Mary Fisher — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 19:18:34 +0000

I don’t care if the mom is cooking, the pop is cooking, or the abuela is cooking. If you can’t get your food, you’re still hungry.
Corner Muse is reopening as 18th St-same owners.

By: latinbombshell

latinbombshell — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 17:49:23 +0000

Paula, I have been to Canela 5 times in the last six months … they must’ve been having an off night. I’m not a pushover for bad service, believe me.
I wouldn’t go back if it didn’t offer a genuine neighborhood cozy feel with decent food at reasonable prices. It isn’t a middling Cuban restaurant, it’s a mom and pop outfit where mom is cooking in the kitchen. I’d rather eat there than some overpriced gourmet or some corporate shtick. I love the sautÃ©ed mushrooms and grilled asparagus with aioli that comes as an alternative to rice and beans in the main courses. Gambas al ajillo are also great as well as the traditional tapas cheese and ham platters or the pimientos de piquillo. The marinated olive tapa and seasoned butter is to die for. The churrasco and palomilla I had there were also good.

By: lara

lara — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 14:39:01 +0000

Paula-
Thanks for giving us your honest impressions of Canela Cafe. I have to say that I have not been back after my first impression just after they opened over a year ago. Since I was living in the area, I was so excited to have a new restaurant that I pounced upon their arrival. I didn’t even get as far as you did because I was ignored when I walked in the door. It was lunchtime, and they had just opened, but still! I stood at the counter, looked at the menu for a few minutes, and since no one had asked if I wanted to order or to sit down, I just left.

Hopefully, they can get it together before their time runs out. On another note, has Corner Muse closed, or is 18th St. Cafe some newer version of it? Mind you, I have been away for a while! Corner Muse was one of my favorite spots though, and I was sad to drive by the other day and see a different name in the window.

By: Mary Fisher

Mary Fisher — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 01:37:45 +0000

If you actually read the reviews, you realize two very important things. One, this is just another middling cuban joint with pretensions to being a Spanish tapas bar in a strip mall, and, two, Miami needs some new food critics. My friends, I would never wait more than 20 minutes for a refill-there’s a liquor store right there!-did you have a flask with you? It shows how desperate we are for a decent meal!

By: PepÃ©

I’m typically the person who tends to let things go after I moan and complain a bit, but I just don’t understand restaurants in Miami. So many of them seem to offer the same experience. At first all seems well. You read the reviews, people say great things and they just let you down. What’s with the service here? Why should you let them off the hook? I think it is time that the people of Miami-Dade should quit putting up with poor service and pre-established tips and demand a great experience. There are many other restaurants here so find a new one!

Anyone else with me?