Cake – 5 eggs – 1 c sugar – 2 c all-purpose flour – 1/2 tsp salt – 1 Tbsp baking powder – 5 Tbsp water – 5 Tbsp oil – 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
Milk Mixture – 1 can sweeten condensed milk (14 oz) – 32 oz heavy cream – 2 cans evaporated milk (12 oz)
Method In a bowl, whip eggs with sugar until soft, pale, and foamy. In another bowl, mix flour with baking powder and salt. In a third bowl, combine water, oil, and vanilla extract. In a large mixing bowl, combine all three bowls and mix well to form a batter. Pour batter into cake pans sprayed with Baker’s Joy. Bake at 325 degrees for 20 minutes. When done, and while still warm, cut off the tops of the cakes. To make the milk mixture, combine condensed milk, heavy cream, and evaporated milk. Place cakes loose in open tray, and pour milk mixture over them, adding more as the milk becomes absorbed. Spoon milk mixture over top of cakes to aid absorption. Serve with caramel praline sauce and garnish with whipped cream and a mint leaf.
When you think of water park food, what usually comes to mind? We think of hot dogs, burgers and other casual bites—nothing out of this world. At places like amusement parks where thrill and entertainment is the focus, food is typically an afterthought.
At Surf House Bar & Grill inside Tidal Cove Waterpark, however, the kitchen is elevating park fare into something that’s more than just passable. You can tell a lot of thought went into the menu at this Coastal American locale on the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa property. It reads impressively with a wide range of fresh seafood options for all palates and ages. Key Lime Biscuits with honey butter, Tempura Oysters, Shrimp Cocktail, and Charred Octopus are just a few of the many appetizer selections that let you know Surf House means business.
That said, don’t skip over less exciting items like the salads—you’ll miss out. The Seafood Louie in particular is a star: Tasty lobster, lump crab, and shrimp make for a stellar meal you’ll remember well after it’s over. Handheld selections are plentiful and substantial, but you won’t feel too weighed down to continue exploring Tidal Cove. Standouts in this section include the Blackened Mahi-Mahi Sandwich and Fish Tacos, both of which can be easily shared between two people.
Although the menu is predominantly seafood, there are still ample choices for those who prefer meat or vegetables. Non-seafood items like Buffalo Chicken Wings, Nashville Hot Chicken or the Vegan Burger help ensure that everyone in your party has something to savor. That’s what we love the most about Surf House: its versatility.
Case in point: Whether you’re looking for a quick bite for lunch or if you prefer a more leisurely experience, Surf House delivers. Entrées like Steamed Mussels and Swordfish Churrasco are things we’d expect to find at Turnberry’s other upscale restaurants—not in the middle of a water park. But having these more refined selections available is a welcome treat; especially when all you want to do after a long day of fun in the sun is relax and indulge.
Speaking of fun, the cocktails at Surf House are also not to be missed. Curated by Miami’s own Cocktail Cartel, the libations list is home to familiar frozen drinks like Strawberry Daiquiris and Piña Coladas, as well as more creative concoctions like a Strawberry Stormy (strawberry-infused rum, nutmeg, ginger) or a Smokey Tommy (mezcal, lime and agave with a savory salt rim). In a large group? Get your preferred cocktail in a pitcher.
The next time you find yourself at Tidal Cove and need to fuel up for all the slides and pools, pay a visit to Surf House. Its approachable yet elevated seafood offerings and refreshing cocktails are rare in a world of water park food that’s phoned in. Other parks need to take note.
Whether you’re a fan of cigars or just craving an elevated alternative to the traditional post-work happy hour, StripSteak’s Cigar Social offers a unique way to change up your weekday routine this summer. Every Thursday from 5-7pm, Michael Mina’s classic American steakhouse serves a cigar and spirit pairing on the outdoor terrace for $25. The selection rotates every month, which means you’ll have ample opportunities to sip and smoke your way around the world. Rally some friends or colleagues and make it your new Thursday evening tradition.
Fantasies of a night out in Miami come true at this glamorous and singular South Beach setting featuring delectable French-Mediterranean cuisine. From the sparkling chandeliers to the plush white couches and the fabulous tropical patio setting, Villa Azur offers a slice of paradise to everyone who visits. DJ music encourages dancing under the stars, making this a true late-night Miami hotspot. Indulge in the Pâte a la Meule, a decadently rich dish combining linguini, mushroom sauce, and fresh truffle flambéed tableside, or opt for the Cornish Hen en Cocotte, a classic French favorite. Whatever you choose, rest assured a stop by Villa Azur will take any night to new heights.
Fontainebleau Miami Beach might not be the first place that comes to mind when you’re chasing drink specials, but Pizza & Burger—the resort’s casual-cool dining concept helmed by, yes you guessed it, award-winning Chef Michael Mina once again—has some of the best libations in town. During Social Hour from 5-7pm, you can sip half-priced beer on tap plus a selection of wines hand-picked by the sommelier. And if you order a specialty cocktail or punch off the menu, you’ll enjoy the second one for just a dollar. Night-owls can also take advantage of these deals during Reverse Hour from 11pm-midnight. Not to mention, you can round out your drink selection with any of Chef Mina’s decadent takes on pizza, burgers, and other classic bar bites. So go get your drink on already.
In Portugal, they say there are 365 recipes using bacalhau; one recipe for each day of the year. If you’re unfamiliar with bacalhau, it’s codfish that’s dried and salted and considered an absolute staple at most Portuguese dinner tables—and one that is rare to find here in South Florida. However, at Old Lisbon Restaurants, they bring the tradition to life by importing 16 tons of the specialized cod every year to offer customers the finest bacalao dishes in the Miami area. On its way to Old Lisbon, the fish is first fished from Norway, then salted and dried in Portugal. On a menu of over 20 seafood specialties, half of them feature this tasty tradition, and every bite you take is another moment of beachy Lisbon bliss.
Situated in the iconic boutique Marlin Hotel in the Art Deco District of South Beach, Osteria del Teatro offers a nod to the past. Complete with black and white movies on display, soft jazz music playing in the distance, fantastic food, and signature cocktails, Osteria is the place to go when nostalgia strikes. Discover daily happy hour in the quaint lounge area from 5-7pm daily. For only $8, enjoy popular dishes such as the Casoncelli alla Bergamasca, made with handmade candy-shape ravioli and roasted veal stuffing, Parmesan cheese and crispy pancetta, all in a brown butter sage sauce. Try other greats, like the Agnolotti al Pesto or the Ravioli di Pesce. Pair your favorite bite with a signature cocktail, like the Sophia Loren, or perhaps a Bellini, an Old Fashion, or a Scotch Collins. If you ask us, it’s a savory way to unwind every day!
If the 1955 Oldsmobile convertible parked in front of A Fish Called Avalon isn’t enough to make you say, “Wow,” the culinary experience will certainly do the trick! For nearly 30 years, A Fish Called Avalon has set the standard for culinary excellence. For the past 10 years, Executive Chef Kal Abdalla, a veteran of The Forge and a native of the Syrian island of Arwad, has created award-winning dishes adored by locals and travelers alike. To the croons of live music daily, indulge in the Jumbo Lump Crab Cake, the Chilean Sea Bass with a miso glaze, and for dessert, try the Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée. It will be the joy ride of a lifetime for your tastebuds!
Superb food, specialty drinks, and spectacular views—it doesn’t get much better than rooftop dining in Miami
The Miami skyline shows no signs of stopping, and one of the many perks of a growing multi-cultural city is the million-dollar view in some of the best neighborhoods in town. From Brickell to Buena Vista, rooftops are dominating the scene. Grab a cocktail and take in the city seascape at one of these breathtaking Magic City rooftops.
Area 31
Area 31 {270 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Miami; 305.424.5234} Wine and dine with the most spectacular views of Biscayne Bay and Brickell Key when you visit the 16th floor of Area 31 at the Kimpton EPIC Hotel. Enjoy an ocean-inspired and locally driven cuisine like East or West Coast Oysters from the Raw Bar or Faroe Island Salmon with Tokyo turnips, golden beets, and preserved lemon Grenobloise at one of the most popular rooftop restaurants in the Magic City. Come for brunch, dinner, or happy hour ($7 wine specials and $8 appetizers) and take in an awe-inspiring skyline that never disappoints.
Juvia
Juvia{1111 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach; 305.763.8272} At the iconic 1111 garage structure, there’s a rooftop like no other with spectacular views of Miami Beach. Juvia on Lincoln Road is a must-visit on your next culinary adventure. Bringing foodies together with its global fusion cuisine, Juvia also boasts one of the trendiest rooftops, with an 11:11 happy hour that offers $11 appetizers and $11 cocktails like the Passion Star with vanilla Haku vodka, passion fruit purée and Prosecco. Come at sundown—you’ll thank us.
Sugar
Sugar {788 Brickell Plaza, Brickell; 786.805.4644} What if you could experience the most breathtaking and panoramic views of Miami while simultaneously in a lush Asian-inspired jungle 40 floors in the sky? Anything is impossible in Miami, especially when you visit Sugar at the East Hotel in Brickell. Grab a seat at one of the teak-carved barstools or a day bed surrounded by palms after a day of shopping at Brickell City Center, and enjoy bites from their mouthwatering sushi menu or a cocktail like the Sesame Sling, with Tanqueray gin, mango, key lime, and hibiscus. It’s the perfect spot to transition from afternoon libations to an evening night out.
The 1 Rooftop
The 1 Rooftop {2341 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.604.6580} A floating oasis with views of the ocean is probably the most Instagram-worthy of seaside rooftops. When you visit The 1 Rooftop at The 1 Hotel South Beach, not only will you get to experience the largest rooftop pool on the strip, you’ll also get to savor the amazing Japanese cuisine at Watr. Don’t fret if you see rain on the horizon—the retractable roof keeps patrons dry and happy while they bask in the intimate rooftop vibes with locally sourced cocktails and Watr menu favorites like Hamachi Crudo or the Wagyu beef Watr Burger.
No. 3 Social
No. 3 Social {50 NW 24th Street, Wynwood; 305.395.5811} Live music, a vibrant art scene, and innovative cocktails and food come together at Wynwood rooftop hotspot No. 3 Social. The laid-back atmosphere perfectly captures the essence of the Wynwood spirit, and you can admire captivating street art from the comfort of the rooftop bar. No. 3 Social is a fantastic spot to catch up with friends or unwind after dinner with an order of fresh East Coast Oysters On The ½ Shell and a pitcher of Rum Punch.
Vista
Vista {5020 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami; 305.405.7547} The trendy Buena Vista neighborhood is throwing its hat in the South Florida rooftop ring and locals and tourists are here for it. Situated on the second floor of the rustic Italian restaurant by the same name, the rooftop is charming and prime real estate if you’re looking to venture out of the usual touristy neighborhoods. The duo behind Fratelli Milano brings a hidden oasis for those looking for good seasonal cocktails in an intimate setting.
A list of local favorites that just couldn’t let go of the Miami Spice thrill (and we’re certainly not mad about it)
While Miami Spice may be over, we’ve found some spots that have either extended their Spice offerings or created a new menu entirely—leaving your taste buds satisfied and your wallets happy.
Seaspice
Lobster
Bar Sea Grille Miami Spice Extended
If
you’re a lobster fan, search no further than upscale seafood
emporium Lobster Bar Sea Grille—just one of 13 eateries
owned by Atlanta-based Buckhead Life Restaurant Group. The
Lobster Bar Sea Grille sources fresh fish from around the world and
through November, it’s extending its three-course dinner menu filled
with everything of your lobster dreams.
For
just $39, indulge in favorites like the Grilled
Mediterranean Octopus,
Whole Lobster Pasta Americaine,Nova
Scotia Whole Lobster Stuffed Lobster, or
the Twin
Beef Tenderloin Medallions Au Poivre.
For dessert, there’s the Signature
Tropical Pavlova
and Classic
Profiteroles.
Is your mouth watering yet?
Lunch Like a Boss at Seaspice
Long days working hard at the office call for a fine-dining lunch deal at Seaspice. Whether entertaining a client, enjoying a quick power lunch with co-workers, or taking a solo hour getaway, Seaspice’s world-class cuisine and nautical waterfront is reinventing your midday meal with a three-course Executive Lunch menu for just $29.
Tuesday through Friday from 12 to 3:30 p.m., lunch like a boss by indulging in dishes like the Salmon Crudo with white truffle ponzu or Maine Lobster Cappuccino. Entrée choices include Local Yellow Tail Snapper served with a citrus salsa verde, Wagyu Burger topped with smoked Gruyère and truffle aïoli, Shrimp Tagliolini, or, for a light and meatless option, the Vegan Plant Bowl with yellow lentil, curried butternut squash, shaved Brussels sprouts, and Turkish figs. With an Executive Lunch offering like this, you’ll head back to the office with a full belly and a clear mind.
Fi’lia
South Beach: Curing Your Post-Spice Blues
Looking to cure your post-Miami Spice blues? Located in the heart of South Beach, Italian eatery Fi’lia South Beach is offering to help by way of a three-course, prix-fixe menu for both lunch and dinner. However, if a wider range of options is what appeals to you, Fi’lia’s all-day menu features delights like Charred Eggplant Spread and Linguine Cacio e Pepe, or dinner favorites like Calamari with lemon and marinara or the creamy Mushroom Risotto. All heavenly menus are available daily—and our hearts (and stomachs) are happy once again.
Taste
of Matador
Olé,
for a taste of Matador! Experience the culinary treasures of
celebrity Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten by exploring his
latest five-course prix-fixe menu while lounging in a luxurious,
intimately-lit dining room.
Located at the Miami Beach Edition Hotel, The Matador Room offers the chef’s interpretation of Caribbean, Spanish, and Latin and South American cuisines while the ambiance is reminiscent of the glamorous supper clubs of the 1940s and 50s.
For
$78 per person, indulge in fan favorites such as the Sweet Pea
Guacamole with toasted sunflower seeds, Wild Gulf Shrimp with
sizzling garlic and chile oil, or Black Truffle and Fontina Cheese
Pizza. If you’ve come with a
hard-to-satisfy appetite, the Arroz con Pollo with
crackling skin and lemon zest will be sure to do the trick for you.
And, to satisfy your sweet tooth, don’t miss out on the Warm
Vanilla Fritters and Chocolate Pudding with Mexican chocolate.
Can you say, “Olé!”
Bourbon Steak {19999 West Country Club Drive, Aventura; 786.279.6600}
When you have the word “steak” in your restaurant name, you’re setting the bar high for your beef. This is especially true when celebrated Chef Michael Mina is attached to the concept. Unsurprisingly, the fine-dining establishment inside JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa offers diners plenty to like—both in the steak department and beyond.
First things first: Bourbon Steak isn’t cheap. The steakhouse fare comes at a premium, with entrees as high as $95 (and even $195 for an 8-ounce Japanese A5 Striploin). Prepare to spend a pretty penny on your meal. But you should also prepare to leave the restaurant in awe.
From start to finish, Bourbon Steak doesn’t disappoint. Instead of bread service, guests are welcomed with a trio of Duck Fat Fries, each with tasty sauces and seasonings like Smoked Paprika, Spicy Ketchup, and Smoky BBQ Sauce. As tempting as it is to gorge on these fries, overdoing it will leave less room for notable starters like Steak Tartare and Spicy Beef Lettuce Cups.
Make sure to balance all that meat with some seafood. The chilled seafood section of the menu features favorites like Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, a Chef’s Oyster Selection, and Caviar Parfait. Larger groups can indulge in heftier items like a Cast-Iron Broiled Shellfish Platter or an Ice-Cold Shellfish Tower.
There’s
so much on the menu that sounds great—so much so that you’re
likely to skip over the salads section. Pro tip: don’t. While
Simple
Greens
may not sound exciting, the salads are done really well; The
‘Wedge”
is big enough for the table and dazzles with its blue cheese, bacon
and a heavenly buttermilk ranch.
Obviously, you can’t visit Bourbon Steak without ordering steak—it’s a crime (we read that somewhere). A range of options are available, including an 8-ounce Filet Mignon, a 16-ounce Delmonico Rib Eye and a 32-ounce Porterhouse. Notably, the 8-ounce, Chef’s Favorite Cut ‘Rib Cap’ gets its own little box on the menu and rightfully so: It’s the perfect balance of tenderness and flavor.
Bourbon Steak Bar
If
steak isn’t your thing, a diverse Land & Sea section includes
Day-Boat
Scallops,Scottish
Salmon,Veal
Chop and
more. Or you can enjoy one of Bourbon Steak’s Signature selections
such as the Miso-Glazed
Sea Bass
or the $95 Maine
Lobster Pot Pie
(a deliciously decadent affair). Daily specials are also up for
grabs, so listen to your server.
Should you have room for dessert, you can stick to something light such as a Chef’s Selection of Cheeses or go all out with Molten Chocolate Cake with malted milk ice cream or the Bourbon Steak Candy Bar with dulce de leche and Guanaja brownie.
In the end, you get what you pay for at Bourbon Steak. A phenomenal dining experience is waiting for you here: You may walk out with your wallet a little lighter, but you’ll be grinning ear-to-ear with a full belly. So treat yourself—you deserve it.
Located at the W Hotel South Beach, MR CHOW has been a dining staple among celebrities and local foodies alike since 2009, taking authentic Chinese cuisine to gourmet heights. Since the restaurant’s opening, the kitchen has been spearheaded by Executive Chef Hing Fung Matt Chan, who every day conquers the almost impossible challenge of staying “on trend” with Miami culture while maintaining the authenticity of Beijing’s cuisine. DiningOut spoke with Chef Chan to learn more about his time in the kitchen and his culinary creations Miamians have come to crave.
DiningOut: You were part of the opening team at MR CHOW 10 years ago, what brought you to Miami? Chef Hing Fung Matt Chan: I wanted to see the world and travel, so when I learned about the opportunity at MR CHOW through a well-known chef in Hong Kong, I thought it would be a great experience and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
You began your cooking career in 1992 in your hometown of Hong Kong; did you always want to be a chef? Yes, even at a young age I pictured myself becoming a chef. My chef mentor not only taught me how to cook but also taught me about life.
What is your essential cooking tool in the kitchen? A frying pan and kitchen knives!
Can you drop a hint on any new dishes you’re cooking up this season at MR CHOW? I have made a few new dishes this season that will incorporate shredded chicken in Beijing sauce and sweet-and-sour pork.
What is your guilty pleasure on the MR CHOW menu? I would say the Chashu (Cantonese roasted pork) on the MR CHOW Miami menu is one of my favorites. Although the MR CHOW menu is mostly based on Beijing cuisine, this is one of our best dishes, in my opinion. It’s a complex dish to make and every step of the cooking process is very important. Every dish is made to order here.
How do you stay up to date with the Miami food trends while still paying tribute to old authentic Beijing cuisine? My idea is to keep the plating and garnishing trendy, but the cooking method has to follow the traditional way.
MR CHOW is famous for the best prepared Beijing Duck in the world—what sets this dish apart from everything else on the menu? Beijing roast duck is much different compared to other dishes. Not only does it have a long history, it also has a complicated cooking process. The chef who is responsible for making the Beijing duck has to be highly skilled and have proper training. The taste of the duck skin is the most flavorful part and the key to this is to make it crispy but not greasy! Ideally, each piece should come with skin, sliced, wrapped with slices of scallion, and served with cucumber and a special duck sauce.
Escape to Spain in this traditional Spanish restaurant offering tapas that will whisk you straight to the Iberian Peninsula. Just one of many fan favorites on the menu is the Jamón de Bellota—Iberian ham considered the finest in the world served with Manchego cheese and chistorra a la plancha (grilled Spanish sausage links). Seafood-lovers will find sanctuary among dishes like Sepia a la Plancha (grilled cuttlefish), Boquerones Fritos (fried fresh anchovies), and grilled octopus with potatoes. Save room for the Paella, crowned the best in town by many, and, in true Spanish fashion, explore the expansive collection of extraordinary wines.
Chef Daniel Boulud’s passion for Mediterranean flavors is evident in this downtown eatery. The menu’s Chicken Tagine—a Moroccan dish traditionally prepared in a clay vessel by the same name—has been a bestseller from day one. The secret lies in the cooking style, which lends itself to a moist and flavorful end result, as well as the combination of spices used. Boulud collaborated with spice guru Lior Lev Sercarz of La Boîte in New York to create a unique blend that includes rose petals, cumin, cardamom, and coriander. Presentation of the dish varies by season. In the summer, it is served with zucchini, yellow squash, and tomatoes while the winter months feature a garnish of cauliflower, turnips, and onions. Preserved lemons, Sicilian olives, and cilantro leaves complete the dish year round.
Think back to the last time you had pizza. Did it leave you feeling uncomfortably full? Well, at Call Me Gaby, a cozy and romantic eatery located in the South of Fifth neighborhood, you will only feel comfortable bliss after eating the shop’s Pinsa Romana-style pizza. Why? It’s all about the dough, which undergoes an intense process of 72 hours of leavening. In turn, guests can enjoy an extra hydrated, light, airy, highly digestible, and delicious pizza. Named after beautiful and strong women—like Gabrielle “CoCo” Chanel (allegedly the restaurant’s namesake)—some of the favorite gourmet pies include bold creations like the Carla, made with Mortadella, basil pesto, and pistachio crumble, or the Andrea, made with fig jam, fresh stracciatella, speck Alto Adige, and fresh rosemary. The Pinsa possibilities are endless at Call Me Gaby. Between the dose of girl-power mixed with fierce pizza and an atmosphere resembling the French Riviera, it makes for a perfect dining experience you won’t stop talking about.
CORSAIRkitchen & bar’s “The 52”brunch is an ever-changing buffet-style spread of our favorite meal of the day, switching out every weekend of the year (hence, the name). Rotations focus on brunch classics, like egg skillets, egg sandwiches, and açai bowls, to name a few. Mimosas are available year-round (because, why not?) and to stick with the theme, this all-you-can-eat meal is priced at $52. For an extra $8, diners are granted access to the 52-ingredient Bloody Mary Bar which includes yummy add-ons like thick cut bacon, jumbo shrimp, plantain chips, and hot sauce, allowing you to never settle for anything but the best.
Nestled inside the Ritz Carlton, this chic new restaurant is named in honor of Isabella Peacock, one of Coconut Grove’s earliest settlers. The classy interior is steeped in warm palettes and rich woods, inspiring intimate, meaningful conversation. However, it is the trellised outdoor garden terrace with oversized potted plants and comfortable outdoor seating that draws in those seeking South Florida alfresco dining—particularly when it comes to Sunday brunch. Begin with the bottomless Bloody Marys or mimosas ($22), then dive into offerings like the Chicken and Waffles served with jalapeño honey, the Challah French Toast with Nutella and bananas, or the Lemon Ricotta Hotcakes with blueberry compote and crème fraîche.
Since opening Sardinia in 2006, Restaurateur Antonio “Tony” Gallo and Chef Pietro Vardeu have won over foodies time and time again with authentic Sardinian cuisine and a collection of wine most sommeliers would covet. Lunch and dinner here is always a good idea, but brunch is an event all its own. Served weekends from 11:30am-4pm, the menu encompasses the classics, like traditional Eggs Benedict and Omelets any way you like, plus brunchified Mediterranean dishes like Spaghetti Carbonara with eggs and wild boar bacon. The best part? You can sip mimosas, Bloody Marys, and Aperol spritzes all day long for less than $8! Or really indulge with bottles of Veuve Clicquot Brut for $50 and bottles of rosé for $85 until 6pm.
At the beautiful Biltmore Hotel, guests will find a range of dining options for palates and budgets of all types. But for a flagship dining experience, there’s no question: Palme d’Or is unrivaled. At its entrance, the fine French establishment highlights its many accolades—including the prestigious Five Diamond Award—and sets your expectations sky high for the meal to come (and exceeds them easily).
Palme d’Or gives off a distinct white tablecloth impression at first, but there’s no stuffiness to be found. The eatery’s à la carte approach ensures that all diners are welcome. If you feel like just having a few bites, you can. If you’re celebrating a special occasion and feel like splurging, you’re encouraged to go for it.
Hamachi
Offerings at Palme d’Or can be summed up simply as “elegance meets creativity.” You’ll find classic French fare with twists throughout. The menu is divided into three sections—Appetizers, Entréesand Additions—but despite the simple organization, figuring out what to order is hard; it all sounds superb.
Thankfully, the accommodating staff is more than happy to walk you through the menu—and you should certainly let them. Much of the staff has been with the Biltmore for years, and from firsthand experience they know the menu front-to-back. Seriously: Ask them a question, and they’ll rattle off an answer instantly.
Beef Tartare
Appetizer-wise, you can expect any dish to look like something straight out of a model shoot. Take the Hamachi, for example. With its bright apples, watermelon radish, cucumbers and hearts of palm, it is stunning. The same goes for the Beef Tartare with its capers, shallots and Gherkins. All the little elements on each plate make for magical presentations—and everything tastes magical, too. While the portions are large enough to share, you’re better off ordering one appetizer per person—you’ll likely want to keep each bite for yourself.
Entrée sections are split into The Sea and The Land, where you can expect similar heft and presentation. The Grilled Colorado Lamb Chop with coconut purple potato purée and piquillo peppers packs an ample amount of heat and an abundant amount of flavor. There’s more than enough on the plate for one person, but odds are there will be nothing left once you’re done. Palme d’Or’s branzino might be one of the simpler-sounding items on the menu but looks are deceiving; chili sauce, smoked bacon and pineapple help the dish walk the delicate balance of savory and sweet.
Cream Puff
Ending your meal with dessert is a must. Get the cream puff: It’s $14…a small price to pay for enjoying the to-die-for Madagascar vanilla caramel cream.
All in all, Palme d’Or is an exceptional experience. The food commands a premium (rightfully so), but an à la carte menu makes the price tag much more approachable. Rest assured, it’s money well spent—especially for a meal you’ll be talking about well after it’s over.
By Geoffrey Anderson Jr. and Dianne Rubin-Anderson
