When Kenia Montes De Oca began working at the former Juice Paradise in 2011, she found an industry and a passion to fall in love with.
Now, the place she got her start is one she can call her own.
Montes De Oca began under previous owners (XVXCNAMESXBVXVCV) as “a cashier, waitress, hostess – whatever had to be done,” she told the Weekly in a May 2019 interview. Sitting down with us again seven years later, she’s no longer the “right hand” – she’s now the proud owner of the revitalized Paradise Cuban Restaurant.
Natural juices, Cuban coffee, sandwiches, a full breakfast selection and more anchor the extensive menu. But Montes De Oca said her star attractions are the new family-style meat boards, designed to feed the table with surf-and-turf, seafood, or land-based spreads piled high. (Fun fact: They even include wine or beer!) And nobody’s complaining about all-day mimosas, oysters, burritos, quesadillas and more.
“One day, a year ago, I saw these on TikTok,” Montes De Oca said. “I said ‘One day, I’m going to make things like that.’ And I have it now.”
The shareable plates, she said, are just one step in re-creating the atmosphere of Social Fridays in Miami – one central spot where everyone can punch the clock before the weekend to share a few drinks, laughs and maybe even a dance.
With a refreshed, lighted patio, glossed natural wood tables and outdoor TVs, Paradise is better equipped than ever to serve as that spot. The interior marries old-time nets, driftwood and nautical decor with a modernized bar, lighting and graphics – all while keeping the cozy, family-run atmosphere alive.
Those upgrades were made possible with the support of her husband Dagoberto, a commercial fisherman who serves as the restaurant’s go-to source for daily fresh seafood, and a family connection to the neighboring Lstar Electric, which made crews readily available for any electrical work.
Stop by Paradise Cuban Restaurant at 2603 Overseas Highway in Marathon, open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Photos by Alex Rickert and contributed images
