Revisiting Mignonette: Danny Serfer’s ode to seafood
With all the noise surrounding new restaurant openings, celebrity chefs, expansions of popular concepts and a general frenzy surrounding both James Beard nominations and the Michelin Guide announcements, it becomes even more important to revisit the favorite “tried and try” places that continue to offer superior food, excellent service and reasonable prices. One of our favorites is Chef Danny Serfer’s, Mignonette Miami.
Mignonette is the seafood sister to Serfer’s other popular spot, Blue Collar on Biscayne Blvd in the MiMo district. As we await the grand opening of the new Blue Collar across the street on Biscayne, a visit to Mignonette was on our agenda and it did not disappoint.
The welcoming Raw Bar marquee listed the days fresh oysters and other items. The seating is at wood tables or along the bar and offers a casual yet homey setting. You almost forget you are in glitzy Miami!
Of course, we started with a half dozen fresh oysters from Prince Edward Island, served on ice with both cocktail sauce and a vinegary mignonette, they were icy and delicious. We followed with one of the new menu items, Chargrilled Oysters, that had just the right amount of buttery garlic.
A grilled octopus’ appetizer was served over a light frisee and fava bean salad.
We also opted for one of Danny’s signature offerings at both Mignonette and Blue Collar, the veggie platter, where you get to choose from an array of delicious vegetables. We selected fried artichokes, broccolini, mushrooms and new to the menu sauteed snow peas in garlic.
Vegetarians could stop right there, but we wanted to try a couple of the new seafood dishes so ordered the Diver Scallops over Israeli cous cous and Lobster Linguini with lobster, Calabrian chili for a kick and San Marzano tomatoes.
We especially liked the Diver Scallops which were seared and cooked perfectly, although we wish there was a little less oil in the cous cous.
Other Mains include Florida Black Grouper and a Boneless Half Chicken with mashed potatoes and snow peas.
A rotating pie selection is offered every few days, and ours was Key Lime, which was tart and a refreshing finish to the meal. I definitely need to go back when the peach pie or Meyer lemon tart is on the menu!
Don’t wait to revisit these longtime favorites, like Mignonette, that helped build the diverse Miami food scene it is today.
210 NE 18th Street.
Miami, Florida. 33130
(305) 374-4635