We went to the Mexican Miami less than three weeks after opening and it was buzzy and many of its seats taken with individuals at the bar, small groups at high top round tables, and others headed to the private rooms celebrating a special occasion. The word has gotten out quickly on this new outpost of a namesake from Dallas that was named one of the most beautiful restaurants in the world and the best of North America Prix Versailles. Judging from the crowd, they were there for the modern Mexican food, traditional and non traditional dishes with a unique touch and flair, dishes seldom seen on menus here. The quality of the ingredients as well stood out, and the expert seasoning which made for delicious eating.
Set along the waterfront at Brickell Key, The Mexican Miami is large – 10000 square feet accommodating 300 guests across indoor and outdoor spaces. Outdoors, the experience continues with a second expansive waterfront bar, covered patio seating, and a lower-level terrace that descends toward thewater’s edge. Lined with additional tables and umbrellas, the layered outdoor spaces invite guests to dine just steps from the bay. The feel of the décor is distinctively Mexican with much of the restaurant’s art, furniture and materials from Monterrey, Mexico.
The menu is divided into cold shareables, hot shareables, soup and salads, Cuts from the grill, seafood, enchiladas, for the table (sides) and desserts.We had a tough time deciding what to order there were so many appealing dishes, so finally were guided by their signature items. When you sit down they bring you totopos (crispy corn tortilla chips) with six different sauces, courtesy of the house. We followed it up with a dish I always order in a Mexican restaurant – guacamole. In fact, I’ve ordered it so many times I can safety say I can spot a really good guac from an ordinary one. Theirs is a standout. They serve it in a traditional mortar made from volcanic rock. There’s a tostada in the center and on one side the creamy avocado, and the other, tomato, onion, serrano and cilantro. When the diners give the word, they mix everything together which makes for a made to order, very fresh taste. Delicious.
I went on to order one of their meats since I had read that northern Mexican cuisine is known for their beef. My pick? the aguachile de ribeye. The ribeye slices were layered with avocado, radish, red onion, arugula and cilantro in a light sauce of roasted garlic, fresh and dried piquin chiles emulsified in truffle oil. The meat was very flavorful and with just the right amount of “picante”( spice) and really delicious.
My friend had the lobster elote, their take on traditional Mexican esquites (a street food snack made from corn) made with Maine lobster, chipotle cream, Oaxaca cheese and roasted corn, finished with lime, Mexican crema, fresh Freno chiles and a touch of Tajin. It was rich and creamy, but not overly so, and actually tasted like a pasta.
Dessert was a wow:a three layer dark chocolate cake with chocolate fudge frosting and candied pepitas (small nuts) that gave it an unusual yet delicious crunch. It was uber chocolately, moist and decadent.
Next time I’d like to try the barbacoa de arrachera, slow cooked skirt steak; roasted cauliflower finished with truffle, habanero ash and toasted pistachios; the chicharron de ribeye over guac, and the tuna tomahawk – ahi tuna, roasted baby corn and pasilla soy vinaigrette and one of their enchiladas.
Like margaritas? This is the place. There are no fewer than 10 options plus a frozen option, along with luxe cocktails with very high end tequila and Grand Marnier Cuvee and mocktails.
I always say that Mexican hospitality is among the best, and here they make a point about that, with friendly and welcoming service.
They have some Mexican wines but the main event are the tequilas so this is the place to get that hard to find tequila you’re been wanting to try.
A glass of wine starts at $18 (5 ounce pour) and bottles at $40. Cocktails are priced from $18-$21.
Our dinner with one cocktail each and a glass of wine each, the guac, two entrees described and dessert was just under $200 plus tax and service.
The Mexican Miami is located at 601 Brickell Key Drive, Suite 100, Miami, FL 33131. The restaurant is open for dinner daily. Reservations are available via OpenTable . For more information, visit www.themexican.com or follow @themexican.miami. Valet parking is $25. There’s a parking garage next door but it’s pricey.
