Taste of the Town: Savor traditional Spanish cuisine at 'CalaMillor Gourmet Experience'
MIAMI - There's a lot to see and taste at CalaMillor Gourmet Experience in South Miami.
It's a Spanish artisan bakery and a coffee shop filled with elaborate pastries made on the premises.
It's also a Spanish market featuring made in Spain charcuterie, cheeses, and products.
And of course, it's a sit-down restaurant, offering all three meals featuring elevated modern Spanish cuisine.
Alberto Garcia is a third-generation pastry chef who learned his craft alongside his father and grandfather in Madrid.
"So, I decided when I turned 18 to be a chef," Garcia said.
"And now I have the opportunity to come here to Miami to show all the people how we cook really in Spain and of course, pastries".
True locals will recognize the location as the once iconic Allen Drug Store on the corner of Red and Bird Road where South Miami meets Coral Gables.
For Garcia, who lives nearby, the spot was love at first sight.
"I'm really lucky to have this location," he said.
"Our policy in our company is 'live from the neighborhood and for the neighbors.'
"So, I think this is a perfect location."
Back in the kitchen, their many gourmet tasting dishes are prepared.
First up Fidua, their take on paella with shrimp and calamari. This is made with pasta, not rice.
"Nobody, I think here in Miami is doing it, it's something different and unique," Garcia said.
"I feel like this is absolutely from Spain," said CBS News Miami's Lisa Petrillo.
"It has such a smokiness in the pasta that you think is rice. An excellent, excellent dish."
Then, creamy croquettes made with Iberian ham and Bechamel cheese.
"This is one of the best croquettes I've ever had," said Petrillo.
"It's so light and fluffy, creamy, crunchy and light. Insanely good. Don't miss these."
Next, the Calamillor special Suckling Pig.
It's cooked slowly for 12 hours, then completely deboned and fried, and served over potato puree.
"It couldn't be more moist on the inside and has just the perfect amount of seasonings. It's elegant. That's a beautiful dish," said Petrillo.
They munch on the classic Cuban Grilled Sandwich with 3 cuts of Iberian pork and Manchego cheese, before moving onto desserts: Alberto's decadent 3 cheese cake and his Spanish version of a French Toast called Torriga. It's creamy dreamy goodness!
"I think I died and went to Spanish pastry heaven right here. These are incredible," said Petrillo.
CallaMillor is open 7 days a week serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.
For more information, click here.