Today we’d like to introduce you to Chef Benoit Rablat.
La Fresa Francesa was project of passion to be sure. Co-owners Sandy & Benoit met and fell in love In Los Angeles, CA. In the saddest of circumstances, they moved to Miami when Sandy’s brother passed away. They quickly found a spot in Hialeah, Sandy’s hometown. It was affordable and risky but they converted an old Cuban cafeteria, into a little French Bistro reminiscent of those found on the streets of Montmartre. The first of its kind in a city known exclusively for its old-school Cuban everything. Thanks to word of mouth, amazing press and die-hard regulars, La Fresa Francesa is thriving in its close to 3 years anniversary. Fans of La Fresa rave about the quaint ambience and Southern French-Country Cuisine. Accolades include being named Top 10 French Restaurants in Miami by the Miami New Times, Miami Heralds “South Florida 50” in the category of “Power Couple”, and “Top 50 places to Eat in in Miami” by Yelp. Sandy and Chef Benoit’s passion and love for their little place stays true to this day in every detail of the restaurant and in every plate served.
Has it been a smooth road?
There are always challenges and new tests you have to pass to get to the next level. However, in retrospect, the beginning was certainly easier than expected. The support from the community was generous and abundant and continues to be. Overall a smooth road. Every once in a while there is a roadblock, a detour, you run out of gas or pass road kill! haha! But eventually, its sunny days and an open road. We have each other and at the end of the day, whatever happens, we know we have each other’s back.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with La Fresa Francesa Petit Bistro – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
La Fresa Francesa is a restaurant. We (Ben & Sandy) come from fine dining, Michelin restaurant background so we have really high personal work standards. While we do not have that kind of restaurant, we inherently carry those standards in everything we do at La Fresa Francesa. I think, it shows how we have been successful opening a restaurant in predominately Cuban community with no previous dining culture. We specialize in French cuisine, but more homey, like you would eat in your French grandma’s house. We call it Southern French Country because Ben learned to cook in the South of France in Toulouse. We are proud every day in our food and our commitment to not changing our vision or style. We have an amazing wine program and focus on small boutique lesser-known wine varietals and producers. We were told many times, in the beginning, to do things differently, or that we would not be successful in this neighborhood. But we believe people love great food and service and that’s all that matters.
What were you like growing up?
Benoit only dreamed of moving to the United States. He loves to cook and under the tutelage of his grandmother, mother Jojo and aunt Coco. He learned how to cook like a French grandma. Sandy’s mom ran a restaurant out of her house so she has always been surrounded by food. It seems natural to be “living” in a restaurant once again.
Contact Info:
- Website: facebook.com/lafresafrancesa
- Phone: 786-717-6886
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: lafresafrancesa
- Facebook: lafresafrancesa
- Twitter: lafresafrancesa
- Yelp: la fresa francesa
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
