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Larios on the Beach

Left to Right: Alexander Dinelaris, Gloria Estefan, director Jerry Mitchell, and Emilio Estefan

People from Miami—and truly, the world over—know that it’s not hard to fall in love with the Estefans. Ever since they settled in Miami and began making a name for themselves, musicians-cum-entrepreneurs Emilio and Gloria Estefan have won our hearts not only with their music, but with their community involvement and philanthropic spirits. And for the last 25 years, we’ve especially loved their flagship Cuban restaurant, Larios on the Beach.

Larios Mojitos

Mojitos at Larios on the Beach

“After leaving Cuba and arriving in Miami, we thought that it would be great to open a restaurant to share the flavors of our culture,” Emilio says. “Most of the recipes are from Gloria’s grandmother, my mother, or our chef who’s been with us for 25 years.”

The recent renovation and revitalization of the restaurant placed renewed emphasis on quality products and healthful items, like Gloria’s Triple C: Calorie Conscious Cuban offerings. The menu features dishes made with the freshest daily catch and ingredients like black bean hummus, whole grain brown rice, and baked plantain chips. “Sometimes the best food is the simplest food,” Estefan says. His personal favorite? The Vaca Frita—pan- seared, sizzling flank steak topped with grilled onions, garlic, and lemon.

Larios Paella

Paella at Larios on the Beach

The Estefans themselves aren’t in the kitchen much anymore, but Emilio is quick to point out that Gloria is known throughout their family for her cooking talents. “She makes the best pancakes in the world,” he says. “Our children and all their friends know it, but the recipe is her secret.”

This year, the Estefans are developing a luxurious new building on Northeast 14th Street and First Avenue. After nearly 14 years in the making, the building—scheduled to be completed in 2016—will provide a towering view of Miami, crowned with a rooftop restaurant named, simply, Estefan Kitchen. “Our restaurant will serve high-quality Cuban food, with an emphasis on presentation, service, and of course, great music. It’s a wonderful opportunity that we’re very excited about.”

Larios Tres Leches cake

Tres Leches Cake at Larios

In late 2015, the Estefans will raise the curtains on their first ever Broadway production, “On Your Feet,” which will tell the story of Gloria and Emilio’s emigration from Cuba and their journey to stardom—set to music written by their daughter, Emily. “It’s about getting on your feet again in the face of hardship,” Emilio says. “It’s about our experiences leaving Cuba—how I played the accordion in restaurants to send tips to my mother, and all the things we did for freedom. It’s about chasing your dreams.”

Whether it’s sharing their revitalized Larios on the Beach or their timeless music, the Estefans hope to convey a message of strength, resilience, and pride in all they do.

It makes us love them all the more.

Learn more about Larios on the Beach by visiting lariosonthebeach.com.