By Daniel Quintero | Photos by Cvi.che 105
With an astonishing design, CVI.CHE 105 opens its 5th restaurant in Miami, delivering an upgraded experience from the location to the menu. A new embassy for Peruvian gastronomy.
The Journey of CVI.CHE 105
I first discovered CVI.CHE 105 when it was a small restaurant located at 105 NE 3rd Ave. Juan Chipoco, the chef-owner, could often be seen by the window, tirelessly working day and night. At that time, I frequented the area due to a favorite cigar store just a block away.
Juan’s relentless dedication facilitated the growth of the business in 2010, expanding next door to create a larger venue. The buzz about this restaurant spread across Latin America, coinciding with the onset of the Peruvian gastronomic boom. He had the right product at the right time, leading to rapid expansion into Aventura Mall, Dadeland Mall, and Lincoln Rd, all key locations catering to Miami’s visitors
The New Location in Coral Gables
An invitation to the inaugural event for the new Coral Gables location piqued our interest, offering an excellent opportunity to revisit the neighborhood and witness the developments in the Gateway to the Americas.
The new location represents a significant upgrade from the original spot. Situated in the new “The Plaza Coral Gables” at the end of Ponce de Leon Boulevard, this complex houses a Loews Hotel, residential, and commercial areas.
Restaurant Design
The restaurant boasts a majestic 20-foot-tall ceiling, accommodating 350 diners across an outdoor terrace and a main dining area that pays homage to the sun. A centerpiece lamp adorns the space, while Peruvian-inspired decorations intricately embellish every corner. Milton Becerra’s art installation, featuring nylon fibers and a quartz crystal, fills the ceiling with vibrant energy. The main walls exude luxury, adorned with gold décor reminiscent of the prosperity of the Inca empire, interspersed with pictures of Chipoco in various tributes to his Peruvian heritage.
The Bar, adjacent to the DJ booth, offers a unique setting. With space for 20 seated patrons, it features Juan’s connection to the ocean, displayed in captivating photographs. Above the kitchen door, a marquee proudly proclaims, “Showtime, Chipoco’s Mantra.”
Exclusive Menu Highlights
Regarding the menu, this new space introduces a revamped selection exclusive to Coral Gables. While retaining some staples like the Classic Ceviche, a must-try dish featuring fresh fish marinated in lime juice, onions, cilantro, and a touch of chili, the menu also showcases new highlights. The Tiradito Nikkei merges Japanese and Peruvian influences, presenting thinly sliced fish akin to sashimi, topped with a spicy yet tangy sauce. Another standout is the Causa appetizer, featuring layers of seasoned mashed potatoes, lime juice, and chili peppers, often filled with various delectable ingredients.
Specially crafted for this location, the Da Vinci Ceviche shines, showcasing Japanese Kampachi complemented by diverse “leche de tigre,” smoked rocoto, ajà amarillo, truffle beets, cilantro, crowned with an olive top, hibiscus powder, and micro greens, creating an artful masterpiece on the plate.
Cocktails flow effortlessly with drinks that include whiskey, gin, and of course, pisco. They use their own branded Pisco Acholado, the Pisco 105, a collaboration between entrepreneur Richard Gray’s Pisco 100 and pisco maker Guillemo Ferreyros†.
The Grand Opening
The inaugural event doubled as a fundraiser for The Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Center at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, a cause close to Juan’s heart due to his child’s health journey since age three.
Navigating the challenges of inaugurating a restaurant, the event seamlessly shifted from the rooftop to The Plaza Coral Gables’ main lobby, fostering an intimate ambiance. Notable figures, including the Mayor of Coral Gables, El Doral, and former Peruvian vice president Raúl Diez Canseco, graced the occasion, connecting with guests and contributing to the evening’s vibrancy.
