El Mercado de San Miguel, a historic Spanish market – originally opened in Madrid in 1916, is bringing their famous homegrown foodtopia to South Florida as “La Feria del Mercado de San Miguel.” The emporium of fresh, regional foods pops-up in downtown Miami in Bayfront Park through January 2016 in an impressive indoor tent and outdoor seating and dining tapas bar, already opened to public.
Miami-Dade County Major, Carlos Giménez; Miami Major, Tomas Regalado; The Consul General of Spain, Cándido Creis; And Montserrat Valle (the owner of the Mercado de San Miguel in Madrid) cut a ribbon made out of sausages, that the guests eat later during the opening celebration.
Inspired by the traveling markets and street fairs of old Europe, the “pop-up” version of the permanent market is scheduled to travel the globe and has selected Miami as its first stop. “Miami was the obvious choice for our first pop-up destination, as no city in America has embraced the Spanish-American cross culture quite like this one,” said Valle.
The Miami site will marry Spanish gastronomy with local artisans, bakers, and farmers to create the legendary dishes and take-home provisions that the Spanish location has become celebrated for world-wide.
La Feria encompasses 9,000 square feet of combined interior tent space and an outdoor tapas bar and seating area, creating a spacious destination for strolling, shopping, eating, and drinking. The tent’s interior will serve as an extravaganza of Spanish foods with numerous kiosks, stands, counters, and carts offering a variety of delights meant to be taken home or enjoyed on site and will also highlight unique regional cooking techniques. A large, circular bar will hold center stage – offering an assortment of local and Spanish beers, specialty Spanish cocktails, such as Rebujito and Tinto de Verano, as well as Gin & Tonics and international spirits of all kinds.
Four main kiosks will be featured around the space, offerings various delights paired with a particular theme. One kiosk will highlight Paellas and a wide selection of delicious rice dishes, including Black Paella with squid ink and shrimp – a Madrid Mercado de San Miguel favorite; A second kiosk will feature fish of all kinds, served in a traditional fish market setting; A gigantic brick oven completely covered in gold will be located in the “sailor kiosk”, where sumptuous “Cocas”, the Spanish equivalent of Italian pizza, will be served; And a fourth kiosk will focus on meat. A traditional butcher shop will be erected, offering locally sourced cuts and grounds.
Smaller thematic carts interspersed within the space will feature treats, such as croquetas; Andalusian-style fried calamari; Breads from local bakers; Cheeses; Charcuteries – all locally made -; Embutidos (cured sausages made from old recipes from Murcia); Encurtidos (pickled items), and the famed Arbequina olives marinated in thyme; Olive oils and San Miguel’s addictive vinaigrette.
Spanish classics like pintxos and tapas will naturally be a focus as well with a variety of Montaditos (tapas on bread) and freshly made Spanish tortillas will include different version. One cart not-to-be-missed is the legendary 5 Jotas Cart, featuring their Iberian Jamon, which comes from Acorn fed pigs and is considered amongst the best meat in the world.
Expected food average with a soft drink will be $18. Hours of operation are Sunday to Thursday from 10 am to 10 pm and Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 12 am.