Don’t you enjoy the slower pace, greater civility, and lessened traffic in the summer in Miami? I sure do. But I do miss my snowbird friends, the choice of events and happenings, the excitement, the “buzz” of “The Season”. What to do to get out of the summer doldrums? Bagatelle Miami Beach.
It’s the South Beach restaurant that’s about good food and a super fun party atmosphere. And they don’t let summer slow them down. Au contraire. Last month they kicked off Cuisine du Monde, where they showcase a different cuisine every month. It’s a theme launched at Bagatelles in New York and St.Barth as well. The first was Moroccan cuisine.This month it’s Greek, and come October there will be another theme (after Miami Spice). We tried the Greek dinner – three courses for $59 that took me back to my recent vacation in Mykonos.
There was their delicious take on Greek salad or charcoal grilled octopus with roasted pepper hummus to start, followed by chicken souvlaki and Dorada a la plancha with a delectable spanakopita phyllo pastry. Dessert? Spiced honey syrup donuts, toasted walnuts and olive oil ice cream. We got there at 8 when the restaurant was starting to fill up,mostly with small groups of friends. Then at 10, the maître d’ got up on the chair as might a conductor, suggesting the start of the party. Fun. Speaking about Miami Spice, their menu has a very good variety of dishes — choice of four appetizers including oysters and four mains like trout and moules provencales. Dessert? One of my faves, profiterolles.
Like to party during the day? Try their brunch. This Sunday, July 31, it’s a Brazilian theme, everything a la carte, from 12 Noon to 6 p.m. There will be a DJ spinning top Brazilian tunes, dancers, and you better believe — caipirinhas, the traditional one and a strawberry version.
For those who like to mark midweek with something special, Wednesday is what they call Bacchanal Wednesdays. They offer 50% off the entire wine & champagne list and no corkage fee for outside wines. It’s available from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Lots to add pizzaz to a summer day or night. Bagatelle Miami, 220 21st St., Miami Beach T.(305) 704-3900