Caja Caliente Cuban inspired brunch in Coral Gables

Rise and Shine with Caja Caliente’s Cuban Inspired Brunch

Caja Caliente, home of the original Cuban tacos, has gained the hearts of Miami locals and visitors alike. Offering a glimpse into its colorful culture with an innovative menu. They serve homemade Cuban classics with a creative touch, inspired by owner and chef Monika ‘Mika’ Leon‘s family. These recipes have gathered a following that helped expand the concept from a food truck in Midtown to a second brick-and-mortar location in Coral Gables. Now serving brunch, bottomless mimosas, and live Cuban Funk and Jazz bands every Saturday and Sunday. Recently, celeb Kiley Jenner made headlines with her “Rise and Shine” solo, but we think Caja Caliente’s new brunch items are the wake-up call that should be going viral.

owner and chef Monika 'Mika' Leon — Owner and Chef Monika ‘Mika’ Leon

I’ll admit there’s few things I love more than spending an entire weekend lounging in my PJs. But if there’s a good reason to dress up, at least to a level of basic decency, is brunch. And one of this Shedonist’s fave new spot is Caja Caliente. Where guests are greeted with live music, tropical decor, vivid hues. And taken into a laid-back yet lively, family ambiance. Almost like being in Abuela’s house, if grandma used Pinterest. Sticking to their roots, the flavors are Cuban-inspired, with their signature creative twist. Serving unique dishes like Shakshuca A Lo Cubano ( sofrito in a homemade tomato sauce, queso, topped with Miami smokers bacon and a baked egg). Adding a lil’ Mex to the mix with Don’s Chilaquiles ( homemade corn tortilla chips in Mika’s salsa verde, chicken, red onion, caja crema, pico, topped with two fried eggs). And $20 bottomless mimosas! Here’s a few of our brunch menu highlights:

Benny Moré’s Benedicts

(Organic poached egg, mojo hollandaise, served on an everything brioche bun, with your choice of lechon or vaca frita.) Named after the iconic Cuban jazz singer, this dish is one I’m happy to set an alarm for if I had to. Though it brings two, I don’t recommend sharing. I regretted it soon after finishing my own, seeing the other devoured as well. I chose to have it with lechon, a Spanish pork dish. Thinking of the delicate shreds of meat doused in zesty mojo hollandaise and runny egg yolk makes me drools as I write this.

Mika’s Disco Volador Pancakes

( Guava swirled pancakes filled with whipped cream cheese, pressed into an old school disco volador, and topped with leche condensada.) Normally my go to is French Toast to satisfy the morning sweet tooth. But these disco volador pancakes are my new all-time favorite treat. Seriously, I’d be happy to switch over my birthday cake for a stack of these. No need for syrup, the homemade guava reduction and leche condensada made me contemplate licking the plate. And I’ll be honest, I might’ve even done so when I thought no one was looking. But the best part, is that the pancakes themselves aren’t overly sweet. And come filled with whipped cream cheese for contrasting flavor and super indulgence! *cue Azucar by Celia Cruz.

Tamal en Cazuela

( Deconstructed tamal, sofrito, topped off with crispy bacon and a poached egg.) Also known as “Cuban polenta”, this Tamal en Cazuela is one of the best I’ve ever tried. Too many places seem to focus on how impressive it looks or how many toppings it has. And not enough on the flavors of the actual tamal. While Caja Caliente is definitely generous with added protein, finishing it off with crispy bacon chunks and a runny poached egg. The sofrito in this creamy corn dish make it heavenly on its own.

The all-day menu also focuses on Cuban-fusion cuisine. With options including Alligator Tacos and Pan Con Lechon. And if you come by when the Red Bean Crema special is available, you’re one of the lucky ones. While they may take inspiration from other cultures, the authentic flavors always shine through.