Restaurants, shops and malls often tout their art inspired settings which I’ve found are often more hype than anything. But not the case with the fast-growing group Crudos, whose owner, chef and artist Edixon Hernandez, has attracted the likes of Sting and Alejandro Sanz. Having made a name for themselves in Wynwood with their décor, a clever take on street art, they opened a new outpost in Coral Gables, Crudos Art House. The Asian and Latin inspired menu features some of the most popular dishes from their Wynwood and Hallandale locations plus wonderful new creations that wow the palate. Besides dinner and brunch, they serve a pre-fixe lunch special that’s a great value and opportunity to give several dishes a try.
First, the décor. Crudos Art House looks like it’s out of Architectural Digest. Designed by Colombian decorator, Bea Interiors, the space with dining balcony is chic and sophisticated. It’s a work of art with eye popping colors, different textures, shapes and art installation. The main event, a wall-sized portrait of culture notables, Hollywood greats and famous musicians, was inspired by The Wedding Feast at Cana by Paolo Veronese.
A lot of care and attention goes into not only the food itself, but also, the presentations. Each dish is a work of art and served in a way that is surprising and unique. The menu is divided into appetizers, sashimi, specialty rolls, main courses, sides and desserts.
I’ve dined here twice for lunch and once for dinner, each time trying different dishes, except for the sashimi which is such a standout that I have to have it every time. How, you’re probably asking, do you do a standout sashimi? For the yellowtail sashimi they start with the freshest fish, and add quinoa for crunch, aji Amarillo, yuzu sauce, micro cilantro and top it with masago ($19). My friend, a serious foodie, gave high marks to crispy lobster rice with its balanced mix of textures and expert seasoning. ($22)
The chef’s creative juices flow with the wide assortment of rolls, especially the standout signature Arthouse Roll with tuna, salmon, scallop, asparagus, aji Amarillo, aioli ponzu alioli and crispy quinoa ($28). The Black Garlic Scallops roll with torched scallops, tempura shrimp, avocado and black garlic ponzu ($28) is also a favorite.
Another favorite at each of the restaurants is the Truffle Corn Casserole with a parmesan crust and truffle oil. Its creamy and cheesy base is similar to a polenta, and has added texture thanks to whole kernels of Peruvian choclos ($12). Not to be missed.
A star of the lunch was a new menu item, Picasso Sea Bass. Glazed with ginger sesame, topped with ponzu sauce, and served warm resting on a hibachi ($38). It was flaky and tender, and the seasoning was well calibrated. Next time I’ve earmarked the ginger pork belly with crispy leeks to try.
Just when I had said enough, the manager brought out the caramel flan made with Japanese whisky, white chocolate ganache and encrusted in – ready for this – homemade caramel popcorn. I’m not a flan lover but this could change my mind. Next time when I’m there for a celebration, I’d like to try the chef’s dessert party platter ($85) or the tropical pavlova with mango pineapple sauce.
As you’d expect, they have a creative cocktail menu with a presentation to match. Cocktails are priced from $18 to $36. A glass of wine (6 ounce pour) starts at $17 and bottles at $40.
The three-course lunch special for $35 includes a choice of appetizer, main dish or from the grill selection, two sides and dessert or coffee. I had the salmon sashimi, red snapper and mushrooms that were all very good. There are also sushi lunch experiences for $32 and $40, rolls, and nigiri.
Note that if you go for dinner, the restaurant transforms into a loungy vibe at around 9 p.m., so if you’re looking for quiet conversation, go early. There’s street parking and municipal parking a block away.
Crudos Art House, 2415 Ponce de Leon Blvd.,Coral Gables, FL There are also outposts in Hallandale, Wynwood and soon to come, Doral. For my review on Crudos Fusion Art in Wynwood, click here.
