Chef Andrea Amelio of Gaby by Call Me Gaby at Aventura Mall: A Culinary Journey

Italian American Heritage Month Spotlight

I recently attended the grand opening of Gaby by Call Me Gaby at Aventura Mall in Miami. The event celebrated Italian flavors and hospitality. Guests sampled menu highlights, including wood-fired pizza, Milanese, Burrata salad, pastas, and Watermelon Salad with Ricotta Salata. To enhance the evening, servers offered classic Italian cocktails such as Aperol Spritz, Limoncello Spritz, and Espresso Martinis. Italian wines and beers paired perfectly with the dishes, completing the experience.

La Dolce Vita in Miami

Gaby by Call Me Gaby - dishes with glasses of wine on table
All photos courtesy of Gaby by Call Me Gaby

Cathy Arrighi created Gaby by Call Me Gaby with a clear mission: to bring authentic Italian cuisine to Miami. The restaurant reflects “la dolce vita,” or “the sweet life.” Every detail, from the food to the service, aims to make guests feel like they are enjoying a slice of Italian life.

Arrighi wanted to combine the elegance of Italy with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. With its skilled Italian chefs and a menu inspired by the flavors of Tuscany, the restaurant brings a bit of Italy to the bustling Aventura Mall.

Q&A with Chef Andrea Amelio, Executive Chef

I connected with Chef Andrea Amelio, the Executive Chef of the restaurant, to ask about his culinary journey and the inspiration behind Gaby by Call Me Gaby.

What is your definition of ‘la dolce vita’?

 “La dolce vita” translates to “the sweet life.” This is exactly what we aim to offer at Gaby by Call Me Gaby. Through our food, service, and ambiance, we strive to create memorable moments for our guests. We want every visit to feel like a taste of the good life.

What areas of Italy inspired the creation of Call Me Gaby?

The inspiration came from Tuscany. Our owner, Cathy Arrighi, envisioned a place where people could enjoy the flavors of Tuscany without leaving Miami. The food, the wine, and the atmosphere are all part of that experience.

What is your commitment to authentic Italian cuisine?

We are deeply committed to authenticity. Our recipes are crafted by Italian chefs, and we use the finest imported ingredients to bring those recipes to life. Every dish on our menu reflects the tradition and flavors of Italy. Our goal is to provide guests with a genuine Italian dining experience.

What do you hope to share about your native Italy with the guests?

I’m from Calabria, a region known for its bold and vibrant flavors. At Gaby, I want to share the richness of Calabrian cuisine with our guests. We use fresh, high-quality ingredients, such as olive oil, chili peppers, and seafood, all staples in Italian cooking. By showcasing traditional recipes, I hope to give our guests a true taste of Italy’s culinary heritage.

An Unforgettable Dining Experience

For those seeking an authentic Italian meal, Gaby by Call Me Gaby offers just that. Whether you are looking for a casual lunch or a more relaxed dinner after a day of shopping, the restaurant delivers an experience rooted in Italian traditions. The attention to detail and dedication to quality shine through in every dish.

Arrighi’s vision for the restaurant goes beyond just food. Her goal is to create a space where people can gather, relax, and enjoy the best of Italian cuisine. The restaurant’s location in Aventura Mall adds to its appeal, making it a perfect stop for both locals and visitors.

Plan Your Visit

For an unforgettable dining experience, visit Gaby by Call Me Gaby in the outdoor courtyard of Aventura Mall. Whether you’re savoring a wood-fired pizza or enjoying a fresh seafood dish, the flavors of Italy are at your fingertips.

GABY BY CALL ME GABY
Outdoor Courtyard

HOURS
Monday – Thursday: 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Friday – Saturday: 12:00 p.m. – 10:45 p.m.

PHONE
305-542-1373

WEBSITE
gabybycallmegaby.com

ADDRESS
19565 Biscayne Blvd, Aventura FL, 33180

BEST PARKING
Parking Garage near Apple

Lisa Morales

Editor-in-Chief

Based in Miami, I am the Editor-in-Chief for Live in Italy Magazine. I am a member of the International Food Wine Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) and contributor to internationally recognized art; food and wine; and travel publications. In my free time, I love to cook and bake; take photographs; go for nature walks; and run on the beach. I am WSET 2 Certified and working on the CSW. I look forward to getting to know you! Follow Us @LiveInItalyMag 🇮🇹.

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