Fill-up and fine food: dining out in Miami gas stations
Maria Bakkalapulo
Photo: Niall Macaulay
The bills for nutritious food and a tank of gasoline are not traditionally found on the same receipt. Field reporter Maria Bakkalapulo discovers some gas station owners who are setting a new and refreshing trend in Miami. Listen to her story using the audio player, and enjoy the photos below taken at El Carajo, Mendez Fuel, Milk Gone Nuts, and Pepito's Plaza. All photos by Niall Macaulay.
The Fonseca brothers, Javier (left) and Carlos, at El Carajo know their wines. Chefs are focused on the quality and flavor of the food.
Not only does El Carajo have world-class tapas on its menu, it also has one of Miami's best selections of Saké.
Clockwise from top left: The colorful style of Miami extends to Mendez Fuel's Car Wash. Mendez Fuel’s ‘305’ Brazilian Acai bowl is their top seller, and the Pavo Club sandwich doesn’t disappoint.
Left: The Mendez Brothers of Mendez Fuel on Coral Way in Miami. Right: Carmen puts the finishing touches to a ‘305’ Brazilian Acai Bowl.
Sara Tacher-Suarez, Mario Suarez, and Stu Juan Suarez keep Milk Gone Nuts in the family. Their delicious vegan ice cream sandwich makes indulgence a healthy choice. Milk Gone Nuts also blends up some powerful vegetable juice combos, and makes coconut milk a full meal by adding protein pancakes and fruits.
Maria Alecia and her staff at Pepito's Plaza, part of the mini food court inside a gas station.
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