Miami, This Is Your Pastelito Papi

You might be asking who Pastelito Papi is and what exactly it is. Well, first things first, a pastelito is a Cuban pastry.

They come with various sweet fillings from guava & coconut to even some savory ones with seasoned ground beef, aka picadillo. It’s one of the two things you find at any fiesta in Miami, along with its second cousin, twice removed, la croqueta.

Onto your second question: who is Pastelito Papi?

Who is Pastelito Papi?

Miami's Pastelito Papi Gio Fesser
Miami’s Pastelito Papi, aka Gio Fesser

Gio Fesser is Pastelito Papi, a well-known chef in Miami food circles.

Some of the folks he has worked with include Michael Beltran of Chug’s Diner, Phil Bryant & Veronica Valdivia of Johnie’s Pit Beef, and Gian Carlos Accinelli of Mr. and Mrs. Bun.

I met Gio a few years ago at Beltran’s Ariete restaurant, where he worked in the kitchen. This is where his scratch-made pastelitos were born, something that’s becoming a lost art in Miami bakeries.

Papi is very creative with his ideas, like a frita pastelito with the flavor profile and texture of the famous Cuban comfort food sandwich la Frita Cubana. His take on the Elena Ruz cult Cuban sandwich is another case where he outdid himself.

He continues to nail it time and time again with his creations.

Pastelito Beauty Shots

A beauty of a Pastelito
A Beauty of a Pastelito
Frita Cubana Pastelito
Frita Cubana Pastelito
Buffalo Chicken Pastelito
Buffalo Chicken Pastelito
Buffalo Chicken Pastelito, Money Shot
Buffalo Chicken Pastelito, Money Shot
Elena Ruz Pastelito
Elena Ruz Pastelito
Pastelito Papi offering you a tasty treat
Pastelito Papi with a Tasty Treat

Where Can You Get ‘Em?

So now you must be wondering, where can I get these delicacies?

You will always find Pastelito Papi’s pastries at Chug’s Diner in Coconut Grove. Babe’s Meat & Counter in Palmetto Bay carries them occasionally.

The best thing you can do is follow your new Papi onĀ Instagram, @PastelitoPapii. It’s the easiest way to know what new flavors will be available. I’m still waiting for the long-rumored Cheeseburger Pastelito inspired by Ariete’s majestic Chug Burger.

P.S.: I just started that rumor, so let’s hope it happens.

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