Mezze
We all remember that sad day, at the end of September 2017, when we learned that Downtown Miami’s haute French-inspired spot, db Bistro Moderne, would be closing. Lucky for us Miamians, the honorable Chef Daniel Boulud didn’t keep us waiting for his return to Miami too long—and in its place, we got Boulud Sud {255 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Downtown Miami; 305.421.8800} earlier this month.
Now open in the JW Marriott Marquis, this new Daniel Boulud restaurant, which models the original Boulud Sud on New York City’s Upper West Side, took a turn from French to Mediterranean. And when it did, it brought a taste of Côte d’Azur Spain, Italy, Greece, Morocco, Tunisia, Lebanon, and Turkey to South Florida that no one is complaining about. In fact, before you even sit down to eat, the Mediterranean flair is palpable; the setting is a fusion of off-white shades mixed with Moroccan-inspired tile floors, lattice wall accents, brass touches, warm natural woods, and even live plants cascading down from its high, airy ceiling.
Lamb Flatbread + Spanish Flatbread
A celebration of all things sea and sun, the new, coastal menu at Boulud Sud is anything but your typical Mediterranean fix. Go with a group and start with shared plates like Mezze with spicy Moroccan hummus, baba ganoush, and herb falafel, or Lamb Flatbread with eggplant, pine nuts, and labneh. For the main course, the Seared Mediterranean Branzino with freekeh, apricot, and artichoke is as fresh as can be; while the spiced flavors of the Chicken Tagine with couscous, cauliflower, and turnips will take you straight to the Middle East. Craving a pasta dish? The Agnolotti with pumpkin, sage, and ricotta salata will make your palate feel like it’s fall all year long. Pair any of the above with one of the perfectly-proportioned side dishes—be it Patatas Bravas with crispy potatoes and garlic aïoli; Cauliflower Tabbouleh with Za’tar, mint, and fig; or Charred Broccoli Rabe with pepperoncini and crispy shallots—and you won’t be disappointed.
Grapefruit Givré
Of course, a feast like this isn’t complete without a sweet ending, and Boulud Sud has just the treat. While the Coffee and Chocolate Cube with black cardamom cremeux, praline feuilletine, and baklava ice cream won’t disappoint, the real gem of the dessert menu is the Grapefruit Givré. Brought to Miami from the original Boulud Sud in NYC, it’s made with sesame halva, rose loukoum, and grapefruit sorbet.
Even though the look and flavor of Boulud Sud might differ from what us locals were used to at db Bistro Moderne Miami, the talent behind this soon-to-be-Miami-favorite are all the same. In addition to Daniel Boulud’s name on the door, the new Boulud Sud still has Executive Chef Clark Bowen, Pastry Chef Saeko Nemoto, and Sommelier Haunah Klein running the show behind the scenes—and that alone should be enough to tell you it’s great.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor