Cafe At Books & Books

Farm to Table Monday night dining. Generous portions. We got to take home what was left on the platter. Very nice company. Explanation of where the food comes from. New ideas for recipes.

It was a wonderful bookstore, and lunch at the cafe was also very delicious. The book store, the cafe and the staff were very kind, too. I think I want to go again.

Beautiful setting for my table was surrounded by shelves of books. If you know me, you know I'm an avid reader and there were so many books that I recognized. The services was pleasant and the food came out pretty fast, which was good. I had the Lobster Gazpacho which was very good. Not very thick but very tasty. Made out of hierloom tomato, cucumber, fennel and lobster. Had some nice small pieces of lobster at the bottom. For my entree I had the Jumbo Shrimp and Applewood Smoked Bacon. Nice hefty portion. Shrimps were as jumbo as advertised. It was made as a stir fry of ancient grains, broccoli, red peppers, rosemary and lemon zest with shrimp and bacon. This was pretty delicious. Overall this was a great meal. There was an automatic 18% service charge which is totally deserved.

This review is for their Farm To Table Event: Even if you are a carnivore, you have got to check this out - I promise, you won't miss the meat! I have been to this event several times and I have never been disappointed. I try to go as often as I can, as every dinner is a brand new experience that leaves your pallet wanting more! Chef Allen comes up with so many creative ways to serve these delicious vegetables that are locally grown, that I have yet to experience the same dish twice. Dinner is served outside, family style, surrounded by all of the vendors that are there for the Farmers Market. Chef Allen himself comes out and introduces himself, the theme of the night, and each dish. He is incredibly personable and it adds a whole other layer to this already wonderful experience. The service is fantastic. The servers make sure that your wine glass is never empty, and Keith Green, the general manager of Books & Books, is outstanding. Upon checking in with him, he asks you if you will be drinking red or white and out comes the first pour! I HIGHLY recommend springing for the wine option as it is worth every penny and the wines that Kieth selects are awesome. This event takes place every Monday night at the Books & Books at the Arsht Center and once a month at the Books & Books in Coral Gables. I have been to both and they are great. At the Arsht Center, the parking is free for this event and that is a HUGE plus. I highly recommend you check this out. It is a lovely experience where you enjoy healthy, fresh food with new friends, under the stars, with wine and excellent service! I have dragged many friends with me to this event and every single one of them has come back for more!

Relax atmosphere and delicious food on the set dinner menu. Highly recommended. Suggestion: Allow yourself ample of time before a performance for finding a parking spot, walk up to Adrienne Arsht Center and get a table here in the cafe for a relaxing meal before the performance.