We Stand STAND
Miracle Mile gets yet another cafe, but this one’s a bit different.
Miracle Mile has two constants: bridal shops and cafes. While I’m nowhere near marriage, I may have just discovered a new found love. If you’ve stepped foot in the Downtown Gables this past week, you’d be no stranger to the buttery yellow take-out bags floating around the streets. They’re coming from Stand, Miami’s newest take on a modern, yet authentic Japanese cafe and eatery.
Inspired by Japan’s iconic cafes and convenience stores, the menu highlights classics including egg salad sando, shio pan, thick cut fluffy toasts and soon to be bento boxes. The food is served in high quality boxes reflecting the grab and go concept of traditional Tokyo Kissaten. In other words, it’s like an upscale 7/11, and what’s not to love about that?
The concept was created by Chef Shingo Akikuni and partner Kenzie Motai. Sound familiar? They’re the same visionaries behind Shingo, the exclusive Michelin starred Omakase restaurant just up the street. While Shingo is damn near impossible to get into, the team wanted a place that everyone can enjoy, any day of the week, while also bringing a piece of their childhood home to Coral Gables.
Is it worth it or just Instagram worthy?
It’s worth your while. The pastries and drinks are extremely well crafted and the aesthetic is just a bonus touch. The line will most likely bend around the block, but it’s truly worth the wait.
The Scene: Stand embraces a traditional minimalist design. Japanese ceramics, greenery and an expansive L-shaped tachinomi bar for patrons to, well, stand. Transparency is the vibe. Your matcha or coffee will be made right in front of your eyes and a small viewing window looks into the kitchen where you’re able to watch the pastries come to life.
What to eat and drink: The BEC Toast was among my favorites and was reminiscent of a traditional French Croque monsieur. The Sweet Potato + Honey Toast was also excellent featuring a crispy and sweet brulee’d top layer. The Chicken Katsu Sando was a mouthful featuring a double stack of crispy chicken cutlets, but it was delicious. The Tonkatsu Sando was good as well, but a little fatty for my liking. If you claim to like matcha, but really just want a sugary drink, the Signature is the way to go. Stand sources the highest quality matcha straight from Japan and the strawberry puree with the mascarpone cloud on top is killer.
Don’t miss: Come for the Instagram pictures, stay for the BEC Toast, it’s that good.
Perfect for: A quick breakfast, coffee or matcha for that sake.
Expect to pay: About $20-30 per person.
How’s the parking: There’s limited street parking on Miracle Mile. Otherwise, the city garages on Andalusia Ave. are your best bet.
@stand.miami // 98 Miracle Mile Coral Gables.