Savor the good life. That’s the motto of award-winning chef and owner of Ortanique, Cindy Hutson, who introduced her newest projects Zest {200 South Biscayne Boulevard, Miami; 305.374.ZEST} and Zest MRKT to Miami’s Southeast Financial Center in early March. Hutson’s self-coined, ethnically diverse, and seasonally driven culinary style allows guests to experience global cuisine with hints of her signature island flavors.
After the success of Ortanique, Cindy and her partner, Delius Shirley, are excited to expand their legacy with Zest, while maintaining the quality and originality of her iconic cuisine. Zest’s “Cuisine of the Sun” will be crafted daily by Hutson and Chef de Cuisine Mike Fischetti, who has cooked at many Ortanique locations over the past decade. Entrée highlights include the Surf n’ Turf Ravioli with oxtail and lobster and the Curried Octopus with golden raisins and roasted cashew pilau.
The beverage program at Zest will also refresh your palate. Relax at the indoor- outdoor state-of-the-art bar and connecting lounge area while you indulge in something from Hutson’s innovative drink menu, which reflects her cosmopolitan flair. Housemade syrups and infusions, craft beers, and a carefully curated wine list will invigorate your senses as you nibble on the lounge’s “Bar Bites.”
For hungry DiningOut readers on the go, Zest’s open kitchen will be shared with Zest MRKT, which is open weekdays for breakfast and lunch. The menu offers healthy grab-and-go options such as sandwiches, soups, salads, and fresh juices. The standout on the MRKT menu is the Shawarma, which will offer an array of flavor profiles, rotated weekly.