A member of Food & Wine magazine’s “Best New Chefs” class of 2020 and a James Beard Award nominee, chef Niven Patel adds two more restaurants to his stellar Aya Hospitality lineup (Ghee, Erba) with Mamey and Orno, at the much-anticipated THēsis Hotel Miami in Coral Gables. The first to market, Mamey, opened August 2020. The vibrant and island-minded concept incorporates a fun cocktail program by Miami’s esteemed collective Bar Lab. Inspired by Patel’s travels throughout Asia, Polynesia and the Caribbean, Mamey derives its name from the unique fruit while showcasing the exotic flavors and spices commonly found in tropical cuisine. In late-2020, Patel will unveil Orno. The modern neighborhood restaurant will focus on top notch ingredients and wood fired cooking, classic cocktails and thoughtfully-crafted wine list.
Arguably one of South Florida’s most important and trendsetting chefs and restaurateurs, Patel imbues everything he does with an authentic and organic approach. In fact, Patel sources a great deal of fruit, vegetables and herbs for his restaurants from Rancho Patel, his two-acre farm in Homestead. This dedication to sustainability and mindful sourcing is Patel’s lodestar and helped define his eclectic cooking style, which is deeply rooted in his heritage while simultaneously pulling inspiration from the region’s rich bounty. “The connection between the plants, the farm, the harvest and the food on the plate is so important to me and the soul of everything we do at Ghee and Erba we will do at Mamey and Orno,” Patel notes. “THēsis’s desire to create restaurants that reflect this approach was a factor in my decision to partner. Working with a hotel is a departure for me but one I am excited about. This partnership promises great things for Aya Hospitality, our future guests and regulars.”
Mamey serves only dinner seven nights a week. Additional meal periods including lunch, always a big thing in Coral Gables, will be rolled out later. Mamey’s menu offers an assortment of flavorful small plates including Ghee Roasted Plantains with jerk spice crema, tamarind chutney, baby tomatoes, pickled onions and herbs; Yellowfin Tuna Tostones with tomato sofrito, scallion and piquillo pepper aioli; Bahamian Conch Fritters, served with cilantro tartar sauce and roasted peppers; Corn & Callaloo Empanadas; Vietnamese Caesar Salad with opal basil, Parmigiano, crispy shallots, sesame, anchovy croutons; Mushroom Summer Roll; and Farm Greens Salad with hearts of palm, macadamia nuts, cara orange, radish and mango vinaigrette, among others.
Vibrant flavors from an eclectic array of cultures are on display in the restaurant’s sandwiches and large plates selections from a Lemongrass Glazed Grouper or Crispy Chicken Sandwich dressed with plantain BBQ sauce to Trini Roti with curried chickpeas, spinach, red onion and tamarind chutney and Pork Belly Pad Thai with farm egg. Prices range from $8-$32.
In collaboration with Bar Lab, Mamey’s cocktail menu overflows with fresh, flavorful concoctions with an island flair. Delectable libations include the Mamey Swizzle, a tantalizing blend of light rum, Chef’s chai tea, coconut milk and mamey as well as the Jerk Sandia, a zesty mixture of Mezcal, watermelon, lemon balm, pomegranate and jerk spice.
Located in Coral Gables, Mamey is the first of Paseo de la Riviera’s list of restaurants and serves as a hub for those residing steps away at the Residences at Thēsis. Mamey’s relaxed atmosphere offers a fun, convivial destination for hotel guests and locals alike. Mamey offers an idyllic escape where guests can indulge in flavorful cuisine and refreshing cocktails.
Mamey (and Orno) are located at 1350 South Dixie Highway at THēsis Hotel Miami.
