Nestled within the blossoming Biscayne Bay corridor a fresh and fragrant rose is in bloom. Rosebriar, a historic home turned restaurant/café is reminiscent of an enchanted era.

Antiques, hard wood floors and sultry jazz adorn this classic and cozy space, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Delicate lace doilies accent each table along with a small vase of soft pink rosebuds, similar to the shade of the walls. A baby grand piano and alabaster fireplace evoke memories of yesteryear, as owners John Stump and Marcos Rodriguez fashioned the home from family heirlooms and tradition.

“Bringing new life to old things is what we love to do. We embrace the old American business ideal. Where customers and co-workers are valued and viewed as family.”

Following in his family’s footsteps, all of Stump’s savory dishes are the culinary culmination of passed down recipes with an added dash of extensive European travels.

“I fuse together traditional southern favorites with my own favorites from my journeys throughout Europe. Austria and Italy play a major role in my kitchen, perhaps because I have had wonderful times in each place,” comments Stump.

Like the charming ambiance, the food is equally inviting. Hints of cinnamon and nutmeg warm the delicious homemade pumpkin soup, as well as the soul. “I want each soup to taste like mom’s,” describes Stump. Oregano, half and half and basil culminate to create a delightful tomato soup brimming with the scent of an authentic Italian kitchen.

A fresh garden salad garnished with gorgonzola and served with a vinaigrette dressing offers a pleasing variation on the greens theme. Roasted vegetables are marinated for a few days to ensure a delectable and flavorful accompaniment to the main courses.

Entrée selections range from poultry to poisson. An appetizing shrimp risotto offers customers a taste of Tuscany, as Stump modeled the dish after his travels in Italy.

“The risotto is red wine based similar to the Tuscan style. It’s creamy, unique and Italians make it with red wine to give it body. The recipe was taught to me be an Italian mamma from Florence.”

Delectable desserts, tasty teas and choice coffees cap off Stump’s clever cuisine. Black forest cake soaked in cherry liquor, Chocolate mouse, and a coconut chantilly cake made with fresh coconut milk are just a few of Stump’s scrumptious sweets.

The amount of sugar used is cut in half on the desserts which, “means you can have dessert and not kill your diet,” Stump says smiling. “All desserts are made here. The actual cakes my mother makes, which are based on her recipes.”

“Lavazza is the only coffee we serve. It’s a difficult coffee to get, but there’s nothing quite like it. The coffee is rich, fresh, not burned. Other coffees are roasted differently, but the Italians go for a coffee that can be drunk with a twist of a lime and that’s it,” describes Stump.

“The teas are provided by Metropolitan Tea Company. Cream earl grey is just one example of the loose leaf tea that we serve. A good loose leaf tea offers nice chunks of tea leaves and a smooth finish.”

Similar to Stump’s smooth and succulent cuisine, the desserts and teas are a perfect ending to a one of a kind dining experience.

And if you simply can’t resist Rosebriar’s alluring charm, you can always take a piece home with you. From antique Russian china to handmade couture, Rosebriar offers an eclectic array of take home goodies.

Exclusive English teas, Italian coffees, handmade jewelry, artwork and antiques are all available for purchase at this retail friendly restaurant.

“If we’ve done our job, our guests have felt like their day has been interrupted,” comments Stump. We hope they’ve experienced a respite at a bright, friendly place where you can sit and sip tea or coffee and commune with friends in a serene space surrounded by a lush English garden.”

Rosebriar is certainly a rare flower. From the dainty décor to the delightful dining, Rosebriar offers a fresh alternative to standard south florida fare.

Hospitality and hearty homemade cooking come together to create a heart warming home amidst a bustling city.

Rosebriar is located at 226 NE 28th Street Miami, FL 33137 [go to map]

For more information on Rosebriar Café, please visit www.rosebriarcafe.com