The promotional email called it a Mediterranean buffet lunch with a price tag of $24. I gave it notice since the buffet was at Marion Miami that always delivers quality in an attractive bistro setting. Then Lisa, a girlfriend who knows her food invited me to join a lunch with other friends there, saying she had been there 10 times for the buffet lunch. I went, and couldn’t believe it. What a deal. A week later I was back, which says a lot, since the nature of being a food blogger requires my being off to the new place or new offering.
The buffet s the kind of deal you wonder how they’re making money. If it were served at brunch, they could easily get $75 for it for the variety, quality, presentation, and deliciousness of it all. French and Italian chefs oversee the L-shaped 60 feet worth of temptation.
It all starts with the selection of fine French and Italian cheeses and charcuterie, then segwaying into seven freshly made salads and cold vegetables, followed by ten side dishes including heirloom tomato salad, artichokes, grilled asparagus and grilled vegetables. Italian influence reigned in the hot section with a pasta of the day,a tortellini with pancetta and parmigiano, classic eggplant parmigiano, Italian style calamari and a risotto. Additions seldom found in buffets included Sicilian sandwiches, a variety of focaccia like breads stuffed with chicken or hams, cheese and spinach along with mussels rockefeller and pizza.
Oyster, shrimp and ceviche lovers can eat to their heart’s content from the raw bar, passing on to the carving stations with top of the line New York strip loin and baked salmon. Whatever you do, save room for the dessert extravaganza with bakery classics which vary from day to day and can include eclairs, pineapple upside down cake, apple tart, red velvet cake, plus creme brulee, chocolate covered strawberries, and another section with ice cream and sorbet with toppings just for starters. If it’s offered the day you’re there, do not miss the yellow cake with nutella frosting. OMG I ate the entire piece and had to control myself not to go for seconds.
Beverage is additional. Craft beer is $6 and wine by the glass starts at $11 for a 6 ounce pour. Bottles start at $39.
If you’ve been wanting to try Marion Miami, this is a perfect entry point and if you’ve been here before, it’s worth going back and more than once. It’s offered Tuesday through Friday from Noon to 4 p.m.
Marion Miami, 1111 SW 1st Ave, Miami, FL 33130