This is my third post on Miami Spice and you may be wondering how I decide which restaurants to feature out of the 194 that are participating in the program. My criteria are that the restaurants be top quality to begin with and have an attractive ambiance. Then they put their best foot forward for Spice (several notable places were eliminated because of lackluster menus) , looking at it as an opportunity to showcase their food to new diners who hopefully become loyalists. I also feature restaurants that are upscale, as this is a chance to sample some of the best food in town for less than diners would usually pay.Tomorrow and Wednesday look for lists of my other picks for Spice with the menus.
With that as a background, a review of one of my perennial favorites, Bourbon Steak in Turnberry Isle Hotel Miami, 19999 West Country Club Drive (Tel: 786.279.6600).
Michael Mina and the restaurant’s Executive chef Gabriel Fenton never disappoint. I marvel at the creative ideas they come up with that always work. And then there’s the elegant ambiance and excellent service, the details, the whole package.
For instance, how about Scottish salmon “pastrami”, beautifully smoked and served with pumpernickel croutons (I could nibble these all day, so much better than the usual ones) pickled onion and caper crème fraiche. Light and exquisite. Or another fave, Maine lobster risotto with lemongrass, ginger, Serrano chile and surprise ingredient sweet corn that gives it an unexpected crunch.
Of course for entrees there’s some of their deservedly famous beef, here a twist on a rib eye. It’s BBQ glazed and comes with a mini cupcake- like jalapeño corn bread and warm whole grain potato salad. Serious beef eaters might want to upgrade to a certified Angus rib cap for a $35 supplement. Seafood lovers will welcome the key west pink shrimp scampi with heirloom tomato butter, herb fettuccini and reggiano. Since you’re saving money on the Spice menu, you may want to treat yourself to an upgrade on the appetizers — Hudson Valley foie gras “torchon” for a $15 supplement.
The cracker jack sundae reminded me why I always enjoyed the nostalgic treat, here teamed with popcorn ice cream, salted caramel sauce and candied peanut.
For the promotion there are also reduced price wine selections.
Turnberry Isle’s sister new restaurant CORSAIR under the direction of Scott Conant, also of Scarpetta, offers an enticing selection of dishes for Miami Spice as well, including a dessert that will make it onto my best of the year list. It’s milk chocolate budino, a moist pudding like cake with smoked Chantilly, biscotti, and cranberry orange sauce that I wish they bottled and sold.
If you live “down south” in Miami as in Brickell, the Beach, Coral Gables, and so forth it’s definitely worth the trip.
2 Responses
Thank you so much for doing all the research! It must be very difficult with so many restaurants this year.
Many thanks. Yes, it’s quite a job. What though is a real differentiator is that it’s obvious from looking at the menus alone that some restaurants really go all out for it, showcasing their best. And others just pay it lip service, including items with a low food cost and little choice, and it shows.