At Essensia, we are conscientious and specific about the ingredients we use. We source ingredients from local farms and specialty purveyors to ensure that our guests can enjoy the best products we can offer. Our Miami farm-to-table restaurant chooses products that are locally grown, organic when available, always natural, and sustainably produced. Our finished product speaks for itself; when food is grown with respect, picked at its peak, served close to its source, and prepared with care, the finished plate is a culinary experience that nourishes and satisfies on many levels.
Essensia Chef’s Organic Garden
Our Signature Chef, Julie Frans, has worked with a local, organic gardening firm to build a vegetable garden for the restaurant in our very own backyard! We are growing many of our specialty ingredients that we utilize in the food and drinks, including tomatoes, lemongrass, lemon balm, Thai basil, Cuban oregano, garden greens, edible flowers, and much more. Essensia is proud to be one of the leading restaurants in the farm-to-table mission in Miami Beach, and one of the first hotels to have our own restaurant garden.
Gaucho Ranch
With growing concern with what we eat, where our food comes from, and of course how this affects the environment and our health, grass-fed beef has become the healthier alternative to corn and grain fed cattle. Inspired by the Gaucho (South American Cowboy) Gaucho Ranch is dedicated to providing tasty 100% organic & natural grass-fed beef free of antibiotics, hormones and grain from the South American Pampas of Uruguay. Gaucho Ranch beef is lower in cholesterol, higher in beta-carotene, lower in fat, and higher in Omega 3s, and Vitamin E then conventional beef. Their cattle roam the grasslands and graze on all natural pastures as much as they need and in a stress free environment. Their ranchers in Uruguay are a 100-year-old family owned farm where Gauchos are still the traditional caretakers of their animals. Their method has been around for centuries before us, not only in Uruguay but all over the world. It is not new, there is no trade secret about their business, and it is as simple as cows eating grass and clovers the way nature intended. It’s better for the environment, better for our families, and it taste delicious.
Little Haiti Community Garden
The Little Haiti Community Garden is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to growing fruits and vegetables using traditional farming techniques. Founded in 2009 by Tamara Hendershot and Gary Feinberg this garden has transformed a derelict, urban lot in Little Haiti (often considered to be one of the poorest districts in the nation) into a dynamic and prosperous garden. By teaching hands-on gardening, healthy nutrition and retail skills, the garden confronts poverty of the district by bringing additional dollars and healthy foods into households that struggle to exist. It has also created educational opportunities for students, encourages volunteerism from the local residents, and has developed jobs for the local community. Currently their product mix includes collard greens, okra, kale, callaloo, cabbage, cilantro, tomatoes, lettuces, spinach, eggplant, calabaza, broccoli & cucumbers.
Paradise Farms
Paradise Farms Organic incorporates Biodynamic principles, which, among other things, encourages an intimate relationship with the land based on the energies of the earth, sun, moon and cosmos. The farm design supports its intention to work with nature’s energy. This idea produces a higher vibrating food enriching its flavor. Paradise Farms is certified organic by Quality Certification Services from Gainesville. Their ingredients are simple: natural organic matter, love and care. Everything at the farm is done by hand and with extraordinary care. The farm offers monthly brunches, farm tours, and chef’s dinners.
Swank Farms
Swank Specialty Produce is a hydroponic farm owned and operated by Darrin and Jodi Swank since 2002. Growing over 200 varieties of produce consisting of leaf lettuces, specialty greens, cooking greens, baby veggies, edible flowers, herbs, tomatoes and micro greens, their products are grown naturally. No fungicide, no herbicide, no pesticide. They deliver their produce living – still attached to their soil and roots, so the freshness is astounding.
Teena’s Pride
Teena’s Pride provides heirloom tomatoes of the highest possible quality, as well as peppers, eggplants, greens, herbs, and other interesting produce, giving our Chefs at Essensia a colorful array of beautiful organic ingredients to work with in creating our dishes. The farm is located within 35 miles of Essensia, and our produce is picked the day it is delivered. This ensures not only the best tasting product, but ingredients that are packed with nutrients and nourishment. Teena’s Pride offers locals a CSA, or community supported agriculture program, so that Miami residents can enjoy this incredible produce each week at home.