Restaurants

La Cofradía, a Brotherhood of Exceptional Flavors

One of the reasons that South Florida has become such a sought after dining destination, is the tidal wave of new, innovative and adventurous chefs who have established themselves here, over these last few years.

Stylish surroundings just aren’t enough anymore. Today’s savvy clients want, experience, dishes prepared with complex and subtle flavors and a fearless chef who is willing to make bold decisions in the kitchen.

La Cofradía opened in late 2005 in the heart of bustling Coral Gables. Since then Chef Jean Paul Desmaison has made it his goal to climb the culinary ladder of success and create a restaurant that is a landmark for gastronomic delights.

Born in Lima Peru in 1972, Chef Jean Paul always felt like he belonged in the kitchen. After studying at the Cordon Bleu in Peru, he ventured toward Seville, Spain (1992) to work in the Expo World show. Eventually with his enhanced knowledge of Mediterranean cuisine he returned to Peru in 2000 to open his first restaurant called La Cofradía. The name signifies brother hood, fraternity and most of all association.

Back in his own country, his Mediterranean training began to interweave with the ever present traditional Peruvian dishes. Today rich ancestral aromas and textures, fuse with classical European flavors and are what Chef Jean Paul proudly offers his loyal, enthusiastic followers.

Walk into the 2,850 sq. ft. restaurant and notice the ultra high ceiling which features a giant sensual graphic reproduction of an Odalisque reclining on a lounge chaise. The lighting gently highlights the Prado Museum painting originally created by French artist Dominique Ingres (1780-1867). Five arched ceiling-to-slate-floor windows, give the environment a South of France ambience and small flickering candles make the room a romantic get away.

Chef Jean Paul offers a menu that is recognizable yet exotic, with a perfect balance of ceviches and tiraditos sharing the menu with selections like Pan seared Black Grouper in a sour orange ‘escabeche’ sauce. Another favorite that has its roots in the classic cuisine of Arequipa is the Chupe de Camarones which offers the traditional Peruvian Shrimp soup plus fresh Lima beans, butter squash, a splash of milk, a poached Quail egg and morsels of Peruvian corn. The chef also prepares South American specialties such as Manchego and Prosciutto empanadas topped with black Mission figs sauce. There are, of course, an ample array of salads, risottos, pastas, meats, poultry and numerous seafood delights.

New dishes are made to please both the palate and the eyes. The lovely to behold sea scallops salad comes with three oversized, tenderly sweet seared sea scallops served with a queso del pais, (a lightly cubed white cheese), fresh chopped tomatoes, Peruvian corn and a black mint salad, lightly dressed with extra virgin olive oil and white wine vinegar. Seared Ahi tuna, is sliced and served over a creamy butternut pureed squash, then drenched in a dark tasty cilantro sauce.

One of La Cofradía’s signature dishes is the crispy skin Magret duck breast, served with a French gruyere and parmesan potato gratin, delicate haricot verts saut’eed in a Peruvian ’sauco sauce’ Blackberry gastrique.

The new lineup of decadent desserts is impossible to pass up. Lovely to look at and so very easy to consume is the pineapple specialty. Flamb’eed in rum, the sections sit atop a surprisingly sweet and delectable purple corn demi-glace and the whole is accompanied by a white chocolate Malibu semifreddo that just melts in your mouth.

Expert sommelier, Kareem Zarwi said, “We have the experience, we provide the best service and most of all we are not pretentious. We just offer our guests the best food and drinks anywhere.”
Well, what can this writer possibly add, except to say, La Cofradía is a fine dining establishment that has received numerous kudos for its amazing cuisine, a comprehensive wine list and creative cocktails. The sleek and comfortable dining room seats 78 and offers clients valet parking.

La Cofradía is located at 160 Andalusia Avenue in Coral Gables. For more information, contact the restaurant at 305-914-1300.

Tagged with: Coral Gables, Jean Paul Desmaison, La Cofradia, Miami