Q&A: Casa Gianna: Blending Creativity and Tradition at The Gale Miami

Miami, FL – November 19, 2024 – Casa Gianna has opened at The Gale Miami Hotel & Residences near Miami Worldcenter, welcoming guests into a space where creativity blends with tradition.

In partnership with world-renowned entertainment and lifestyle hospitality company, Zouk Group, the launch marks the debut of the property’s first dining venue and the newest addition to the growing culinary scene of Downtown Miami.

Helmed by Executive Chef David Caceres, Casa Gianna offers a diverse selection of new and nostalgic Italian dishes that honor authentic Italian cuisine while embracing contemporary twists. “Gale Miami Hotel & Residences owner, Russell Galbut, envisioned creating a space that not only offers exceptional cuisine but also fosters a sense of community,” shares Chef Caceres. “At Casa Gianna, our concept is rooted in the use of the highest quality ingredients, honoring Italy’s rich artisan traditions while embracing the spirit of innovation.”

Lending itself to Gale Miami’s “live, stay, work, and play” mantra, Casa Gianna serves as a destination where locals and visitors alike can gather to share memorable meals, whether starting the day with Italian-inspired breakfast, lunch, enjoying happy hour, or indulging in a lively evening dinner. Some of the signature dishes on the menu include Pappardelle Alla Rosa Di Ricotta with brown butter sage, Pickled Watermelon Salad with watercress, cucumber, feta, candied pecans, and a basil-mint vinaigrette and Herb-Crusted Colorado Lamb Chops with mashed potatoes and a Barolo glaze.

“We’ve created a space that blends modern sophistication with nostalgic Italian charm, reimagining the classic trattoria in a warm and inviting way.”

WRE: Tell us about Casa Gianna and what inspired the concept and menu.

Executive Chef David Caceres: Gale Miami Hotel & Residences owner, Russell Galbut, envisioned creating a space that not only offers exceptional cuisine but also fosters a sense of community. At Casa Gianna, our concept is rooted in the use of the highest quality ingredients, honoring Italy’s rich artisan traditions while embracing the spirit of innovation. I designed the menu to highlight simple yet bold flavors, crafted with locally sourced ingredients that resonate with Miami’s cosmopolitan palate.

David Caceres

At Casa Gianna, our concept is rooted in the use of the highest quality ingredients, honoring Italy’s rich artisan traditions while embracing the spirit of innovation.

Executive Chef David Caceres

WRE: What are you doing to attract the local residents? Are there any special perks or programming coming to Gianna? 

DC: We’re dedicated to becoming a neighborhood favorite by creating an inviting space where local residents can relax and connect. Gale Wellness, located on the 10th floor of the Gale Miami Hotel, offers memberships for the spa and fitness center, which include exclusive discounts at all of our dining outlets, making our vertical neighborhood a place locals can enjoy regularly. We’ll also be hosting nearby businesses and residential buildings for an Aperitivo Hour, allowing them to experience our cocktails. To further engage with our community, we’ll soon launch live music, a lively happy hour, and a decadent brunch—perfect for gathering with friends and family.

David Caceres

We’re dedicated to becoming a neighborhood favorite by creating an inviting space where local residents can relax and connect.

Executive Chef David Caceres

WRE: Casa Gianna offers a range of Italian dishes with a focus on seasonal ingredients. How do you approach creating new dishes or updating the menu?

DC: Our culinary team embraces the seasons as an opportunity to evolve and enhance our menu. When fresh, seasonal ingredients become available, we will craft new dishes that celebrate their unique flavors, ensuring our menu stays vibrant and reflective of the time of year.

Some signature dishes include Pappardelle Alla Rosa De Ricotta with brown butter sage, Pickled Watermelon Salad with watercress, cucumber, feta, candied pecans, and a basil-mint vinaigrette, and Herb-Crusted Colorado Lamb Chops with mashed potatoes and a Barolo glaze.

WRE: What is your philosophy when it comes to sourcing ingredients, and how do you ensure that they meet your standards?

DC: Our idea is to use the freshest ingredients we can source, especially from local farmers. The “farm-to-table” concept plays an important role in the design of our menu. We build new relationships with local farmers after ensuring that their operations and products meet our standards.

WRE: Tell us a bit about the design of Casa Gianna. How does your hotel location influence the dining experience?

DC: We’ve created a space that blends modern sophistication with nostalgic Italian charm, reimagining the classic trattoria in a warm and inviting way. Gale Miami’s “live, stay, work, and play” philosophy enhances Casa Gianna’s role as a destination where locals and visitors alike can gather to share memorable meals, whether starting the day with an Italian-inspired breakfast, enjoying lunch or happy hour, or indulging in a lively evening dinner.