The Best NEW Openings from MIAbites
Funny, how right after Labor Day, the entire country kicks into Fall mode…regardless of what the weather is actually telling us.
In Miami, we do look forward to a bit less humidity and perhaps a few days without thunderstorms, with Back to School and the beginning of UM and Dolphins football season and maybe a sweater in the eve, but face it…Fall is really just a state of mind.
Luckily, this summer, there was no shortage of new restaurant and bar openings as Miami becomes even more of a year round home and a coveted destination for tourists from all over the world.
MIAbites contributors like to collaborate on these kinds of topics, so we compiled the “Best Summer Openings from MIAbites Contributors:
Javier Ramirez- @GourmandJ
It seems the Pubbelly boys are fearless when it comes to choosing a genre for their next restaurant. After successfully attacking pub fare, Japanese, steakhouse, Mexican, Spanish, Italian they have now moved on to French. At L’Echon their signature is present all over the menu and their vision is brilliantly executed by chef Josh Elliott. Another great addition to their ever expanding portfolio of great eateries.
Mandy Baca
Fresh, local, seasonal, gluten-free, and all delicious. Kris Wessel is back at it again with his new restaurant Oolite. Opened in mid-June, just in time for summer, the menu is an ode to Miami cuisine with a healthy twist that is never short on flavor. He remains true to his love for local ingredients using items like jackfruit, guava and avocados and fresh caught fish. Wessel lovers, fret not, as his famous BBQ Shrimp is also on the menu, this time served with homemade roti. The handsome space is ample and fits right into the neighborhood with a clean white and walnut palette.
Melissa Ginsberg- The Foodie Teacher
The construction on Alton Road coupled with the fact that Drunken Dragon has no sign (only a neon sign that says Market above the tinted black windows) make it easy to miss this new, trendy Korean BBQ restaurant in South Beach. When making a reservation specify whether you want a table with the actual BBQ as there are tables without, as well. I wouldn't say this is "authentic" Korean BBQ (you'll have to travel to Sunrise for that) but the meats are high quality, the menu has something for everyone, and the atmosphere is welcoming and perfect for a date night or a fun night out with friends. Some things I enjoyed were the Lobster Roll, the Shanghai style fried rice, and of course the BBQ in which we grilled rib eye, skirt steak, short rib, and the mixed mushrooms, which were baked in foil with butter.
Jennifer Massolo- @JenMassolo
FINKA Table & Tap Restaurant in West Kendall is a new and welcome addition to Miami's exciting bar and restaurant scene. While it is so far west on Coral Way (West of the Turnpike) that you won't find yourself just passing by, it really is worth a visit. The decor will make you think you're in Wynwood, the food is a casual, creative combination of Cuban, Peruvian and Korean and most importantly, this is one of the best bars I have visited lately in Miami. With a unique selection of mostly artisan spirits, these bartenders were truly making creative craft cocktails.
Brandon Chase- The Bowtie Barrister
I really enjoyed Bistro BE. I am a huge Belgian beer fan and their inventory is superb. People who are only fans of Stella will be amazed by the styles of beer Belgium has to offer.
They have some phenomenal vintages (yes Belgian beer has vintages) and Max the beverage manager is very knowledgeable.
Had a few of their appetizers and they were good. The space is relaxing and inviting and there is an open kitchen. Definitely want to go to try the many varieties of mussels they offer.
Everett Rashotsky- Ergagit
New kid on the block in MiMo and a worthy addition, on 74th and Biscayne. Latin American flavored Southern Comfort food is the overriding taste in most dishes. The Vincent Van Goat starter is a must as a signature dish, fried goat cheese honey, pistachio, pepper. Lots of choices but the Jenge ribs, chili molasses glaze, benne seeds were are favorite, especially with a side of beets, avocado, and the been seed. Dessert a blow out winner, Frida's Secret, Mexican Chocolate Brownie, AZUCARI sweet corn ice cream, chocolate corn flakes. Nice selection of Craft Beers, bottled and tap and wines by the glass and bottle. We will be back!!!
David Sprintis
Mignonette- http://www.miabites.com/home/2014/8/21/mignonette-oysters-crudo-seafood-miami-lobster-roll#.VA8rrSis3ww=
Mignonette, the new restaurant collaboration between Danny Serfer of Blue Collar fame and blogger extraordinaire Ryan Roman, has become the talk of the town in just the few days since its official opening on August 15th. The restaurant pays homage to simply prepared seafood, with some detours into non-seafood territory, including Danny’s famous prime rib. Suggestions include: fresh oysters, popcorn conch, grouper crudo, deviled eggs with lobster, the lobster roll, and the fancy seafood tower, which included two varieties of oysters, plus clams, shrimp cocktail, crabmeat cocktail, Tasmanian lobster tails, and king crab legs.
Ellen Bowen
The Traymore Restaurant and Gin Bar – http://www.miabites.com/home/2014/5/26/the-traymore-reimagined-by-como-hotels-and-chef-jonathan-lane#.VA8sCCis3ww=
The 1939 Art Deco classic has been completely renovated by high end Singapore based COMO hotel group into a quiet, luxury boutique hotel , but it is The Traymore Bar and Restaurant that reminds one of the casual elegance of dining in the 30’s and 40’s. Chef Jonathan Lane helms the kitchen, which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. An avid fisherman , his passion for freshly prepared fish is evident in the menu offerings, as Chef explained how fortunate he is to be able to secure such a variety of local fish right off the coastline and how his menu changes depending on which fish come off that boat, truly “sea to table”.
So instead of mourning the END of Summer…celebrate the beginning of FALL and check out these new spots!