By Sherri Balefsky | Online Editor
Hidden on an unassuming corner at North Miami Avenue and 35th Street is possibly one of the coolest restaurants ever make its way to Miami.
A faint wooden sign out front announcing The Gang {3500 North Miami Avenue, Miami; 305.570.9430} and a few wooden chairs draped in embroidered rugs is really all there is to the street view (it’s across from the bustling Shops at Midtown and opposite the much-acclaimed Gigi). But that’s hardly a preview for what to expect once inside. The eclectic space, which seems more characteristic of the heart of Wynwood, has a hip albeit curious décor.
The exposed piping and hanging light fixtures give the space an industrial feel, as does the line of washing machines that form the base of the bar. The walls are splattered with cutouts from old magazines, creating a ’50s diner feel. A classic Coca-Cola refrigerator, circa-’80s arcade game, and an old bicycle mounted to the wall are just a few of the other random knickknacks you’ll find inside.
Upon being seated, we were immediately greeted by a server in a white lab coat. Why? “Just like doctors,” Owner Bogdan Niculae told us, “a server needs to be making sure you are happy and well taken care of.” And that we were! Our water glasses—which were actually small ceramic mugs—were continuously refilled. The food came out perfectly timed almost to a science. And we were constantly asked if we’d like “one more glass of wine” (they have a fully stocked bar with an extensive wine list).
The menu is not overwhelmingly large, but there are certainly enough mouthwatering options from which to choose. Most of it is Asian-inspired—an interesting twist considering the décor evokes everything but!
For appetizers, we ordered the Tibetan Spring Rolls with chicken and the Boo Shrimp Tempura. All came out piping hot. The shrimp was lightly coated in a sesame seed crust, maintaining the juicy flavor of the shrimp but without the grease often associated with tempura.
For our main courses, we selected the Samuiwok Chicken, a homemade Asian noodle dish mixed with fresh veggies, and the Hunan Chicken. We were warned that the latter would be spicy, but we found it appropriately seasoned—even those sensitive to spicy foods might not find it too hot.
Overall, we couldn’t have been more pleasantly surprised with our visit to The Gang. It certainly lived up to the reputation it touts of itself: “The Gang is a concept of life: Good food, good vibe, good Karma.”