Note from Editor 2013; Villa Mayfair has been taken over and is now Timo’s. Frederic Jolin has left.

Note from Editor 2017: Timo’s is closed. Frederic Jolin opened Semilla on Alton Road. Click here for my review of its happy hour.

The chef of Jacques Chirac,  former President of France. A Michelin star pedigree from Paris’ famed Guy Savoy. I was intrigued when my business partner, whose preferences of palate I share, told me to try this Coconut Grove restaurant. No time to waste, off I went. Handsome and charming Frederic Jolin, Executive Chef, prepared a Mediterranean style menu of tomato tatin with pata negra jamon iberico, grilled octopus and limoncello vinaigrette, branzino which had been flown in from France the day before, panfried with organic vegetables, and a house made supersize macaron filled with raspberries and lemon sorbet on the side. Everything lived up to my high expectations (though I have to admit octopus isn’t one of my favorite dishes however it’s prepared) — light, fresh, flavorful, and the added plus of not being high in calories. The ambiance is intimate, elegant and hip. My party and I especially loved the magenta wall lights which gave the room a soupcon (touch) of energy. Plus, you can actually have a conversation thanks to good sound insulation and music at just the right level.  Service was friendly and professional. Not surprising since it’s presided over by Pierre who hails from the restaurants of French culinary star Joel Robouchon.  A week after the dinner, friends and I went back for their Blush Wednesdays, a ladies night, with a $35 prixe fixe with three courses, wine and champagne included. All agreed it will be on our regular get-together-with-our-women friends calendar. Villa Mayfair is a much welcome addition to a part of Miami (the Grove and Pinecrest) that otherwise has a dearth of places for fine dining and a glam night out.