What started as a summertime pop-up has turned into one of the hot spots for casual dining on mid-beach. Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak at Turnberry Isle in Aventura has always been a favorite, but now Michael Mina has added a new favorite, Pizza & Burger -Michael’s Backyard Kitchen  at Fontainebleau Miami Beach

The Gagit’s were invited to sample the menu items and we enter the space and it is rocking, wall to wall people at the bar and tables.  They must be doing something right here.

We, of course, need to try a few of the house specialty cocktails, Londa Bead starts with the Stiggins Cup : Bombay Gin , Plantation Pineapple rum , Lemon Gin. and I have Barrel-Aged , Cubano Sato : Zacapa & Facundo Neo Rums , Maraschino , Grapefruit bitters , real winners and both shown above.

As we sip our first drink we order a specialty starter, Toast ; Sourdough, House Made Ricotta, Blackberry Honey, Toasted Pecans, Prosciutto, Stone Fruit and devour it when it arrives and regret not ordering another portion.  We also order the Rings ; Panko –Crusted Onions, Spicy Buttermilk Ranch Dip.

We now start a beer tasting from their long list, Londa Bead chooses the Cigar City Maduro and I try one of my favorite summer drinks , a Grapefruit Shandy, always the Illusive traveler. we also order the Greek Salad. They also offer a make your own salad from a menu checklist, nice touch.

As the Gagit’s sample more of the MIA draft beers we are served The Lamb Burger, this is has been our favorite at Bourbon Steak and we had to make it our choice here; Merguez –Style, Chermoula Yogurt, Stewed Sweet Peppers, Shaved Fennel with fries of course. They offer over 7 burgers on this menu including a classic Dry Aged burger, ground steak burger, topped with crispy pork belly, spicy ketchup, onions and white cheddar, The Cuban Frita – beef, chorizo, smoked paprika aioli and crispy potato and The Hippie Chick – marinated and grilled eggplant, tomato jam, crispy zucchini and red onion labneh (Greek yogurt) and Haloumi cheese. All interesting choices with Meat, Poultry, and Veggies options, so all appetites can be satisfied.

We are now ready to try the Pizza but to be honest we are full. Again, there are over 8 to choose from including The Standard, a tomato, mozzarella and basil pizza, The Surf with lobster, and The Pork Store with Sopressa, Spicy Pepperoni and Sweet Peppers. However , once we see the Parmigiano; Fried Eggplant, Meatball, Sunday Sauce, Basil, Whole Milk Mozzarella , we know this will be our favorite in future visits.  All are freshly made with a crispy crust and plenty of toppings.

We are ready for dessert but since we are full, I order my favorite New England dessert, Narragansett Beer from Providence, RI, as shown in its famous can. There are a few other choices , including Sundaes with all the fixins but as we get up to leave,  the place is still rocking, with families and singles , everyone fits in here.

Let the Truth be Told, we are now ready to leave after all the food and beverage and Uber is outside to take us home but we will be back to get that Pizza!!!

Pizza & Beer at Michael Mina 74 at The Fontainebleau

4441 Collins Ave

Miami Beach, FL

(305) 674-4636.