Glass & Vine: A Taste Of Miami In The Heart Of The Grove

Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter

MIAMI (CBSMiami) - Glass & Vine is a subtropical paradise located on the grounds of Peacock Park in the heart of Coconut Grove.

Helming the kitchen is Food Network "Chopped" champion, and Forbes "30 under 30" list-maker, Giorgio Rapicavoli, who created the menu with South Florida in mind.

"I want people to taste Miami, to taste my upbringing, at least what I think this city tastes like. There's a lot of passion in this restaurant. A lot of people here care about doing something good for community," Rapicavoli said.

Glass and Vine has seating inside, with views of a modern open kitchen from which it dereives its name, and outside where diners are surrounded by lush landscaping

"It's bringing the indoors out," said CBS4's Lisa Petrillo during a recent visit.

"That was the plan. Like "A Night at the Roxbury" where inside is out and outside is in. We couldn't pay for such a beautiful view . We figured why not let nature be the decoration," said Rapicavoli.

The menu categories are divided into garden, sea and land. All of hte offerings are designed to be shared and mix n' matched.

From the garden, Rapicavoli presented Petrillo with a Watermelon Salad.

"When I think about watermelon, I love to put Tahine on it, Mexican chili. I thought let's give it a Mexican route," said Rapicavoli.

The Watermelon Salad has crema, Mexican cheese, toasted corn and cilantro.

"It's totally different. You don't expect to have Mexican flavor with watermelon and it has a crunch and heat and it works," said Petrillo.

From the sea was local fish tartar. Rapicavoli said what's unique about the dish is that the classic Leche de Tigre sauce is actually frozen in nitrogen.

"It's really cool, you see this interesting mound of Leche de Tigreand it looks kind of sweet. It looks like Dip N Dots," said Rapicavoli.

"So, we're sitting outside on warm summer day and I'm feeling completely refreshed because the fish with the nitrogen Leche de Tigre gives it a pop of cold and there's so much flavor," Petrillo said.

And finally chef Giorgio's Lamb Ribs with his "305" spice, spiced cashews and green herbs.

"These have been roasted for a couple of hours. It's nice and tender and we finish them off with the "305" spice," said Rapicavoli.

"The "305" spice seasoning," said Petrillo taking a taste, "It's got a kick!"

Glass and Vine is open 7 days a week for dinner. Brunch is coming soon. For more info go to glassandvine.com.