Brazilian Tapioca treats and so much more at the Mile Zero Cafe in Kino Plaza
BY TERRY SCHMIDA
KONK LIFE FOOD EDITOR
It’s always a great day for area foodies when a restaurateur brings something new to Key West.
It’s also wonderful when such entrepreneurs find their niche here.
Since March, both these things have taken place at the Mile Zero Cafe, 119 Fitzpatrick St., in Kino Plaza, where Chef/co-owner Hammzah Aburas and his business partner Gleidson De Vargas have introduced savory Brazilian Tapioca specialties to the Southernmost City.
Originally from Jordan, Aburas has been involved in the hospitality industry for years, mostly working around the world for the high-end Canadian hotel company, The Four Seasons.
Since arriving in Key West seven years ago, Aburas has been searching for the right opportunity to open a unique eatery. With Mile Zero he and DeVargas have managed to do just that, all the while maintaining a strict adherence to quality food, and a commitment to making as many things as possible in-house.
The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and has a few seats inside and in the courtyard outside.
For that first meal of the day Aburas recommends the Rolled Stuffed Omelet, a delicious – and handy – way to kick start your morning with a choice of classic flavors such as ham, mozzarella, spinach, cream cheese, bell peppers, and mushrooms. The addition of sausage is also available.  And other items, designed to be eaten on the run, pop up throughout the menu.
Aburas is also rightly proud of his yummy homemade soups, usually a choice of two on any given  day. The best-selling Minestrone is crafted from scratch with potatoes, onion, garlic, celery, carrots, leeks, white beans, a tomato sauce, and fresh, house-grown basil.
Salads are a healthy option at Mile Zero, with two of the most popular being the Greek, and the House Salad. The Greek salad is a timeless combination of tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, onion, feta cheese, olives, and lettuce, seasoned with a salt, oregano, and Greek dressing.
The House includes tomatoes – and cherry tomatoes – olives, parsley, Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, garlic, onions, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar.
Several paninis are offered, including the Pesto Chicken made with homemade pesto sauce, white meat chicken, tomatoes, mozzarella, and green bell peppers. Be sure to also sample the tasty Terminator, which includes the same pesto sauce, as well as slow cooked beef, vegetables, and mozzarella.
It’s the Tapiocas, though, which garner the most attention at Mile Zero, but don’t go looking for the dessert puddings your grandmother used to make. The name of the dish refers to the outer shell,  made with flour from the cassava root, and used to wrap the filling–kind of like a burrito. As a sign at Mile Zero suggests, tapioca flour is free of gluten, dairy, sugar, sodium, preservative, nut and grains; it’s kosher, vegan, and high in fiber. There are four to choose from, including the Meat-Lovers, packed with slow-cooked beef, cheese, mushrooms, green peppers, and onions. This delightful dish is served with a side of fresh pesto sauce, and Aburas’ house-pickled Kalamata olives.
For dessert, don’t miss the chance to try a crepe on a stick called a sweet “crepesicle,” for walking around with. My favorite was the “Right Way,” made with chocolate, or Nutella spread.
To drink, there are slushies, smoothies, and Bubble Teas galore.
Treat yourself! Get down to Mile Zero and try something new and mouth-wateringly good, today!
Mile Zero Cafe is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days. Credit cards are accepted, and free delivery is available throughout Key West by calling 305-783-5196.
Locals, first-responders, and active duty military personnel receive a 10 percent discount.
Find them on Facebook.
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