The fourth in my series of chef owner/operated restaurants is the French American bistro Semilla Miami, one of my “go to” places since it opened. It’s the passion of Frederic Joulin whose extensive pedigree includes helming the kitchen for French President Jacques Chirac and the three star Michelin Guy Savoy in Paris. Semilla Miami features the classics we’ve always loved in a “buzzy” contemporary bistro atmosphere that’s fun, friendly, and welcoming, the kind of place you’ll want to return and become a “regular” which is exactly what I’ve become, for ten years (even had a cocktail party here for my birthday). It had been awhile since I was here, so decided to return and check it out again for my series.
The 70 seat restaurant has as its centerpiece a wraparound bar which is where some of the food preparation happens and is the vantage point for the charming Joulin who greets return guests, oversees a smoothe operation, and sometimes will venture out to the tables indoors or outdoors to flambe a steak au poivre or even serve when need be. He is literally into everything, and loves it, from working with a baker to create the perfect baguette, and ensuring his delivery of fresh sole from France arrives on time, to finding the best farmers in Homestead for his fruit and produce.
The appealing and reasonably priced dinner menu at Semilla Miami is divided into starters, warm appetizers, soup and salad, meat and poultry, fish and shellfish, risotto and pasta, sides and dessert.
Mr. W started with the escargots with bone marrow ($16) that he devoured with the crusty baguette which was large. We took it home, warmed it up, and enjoyed it the next day . I opted for an elegant Belgium endive salad with apple, blue cheese and walnuts and a delicate dressing that was just light enough ($14). We shared a dover sole meuniere which arrives from France twice a week and was deboned at the table, served with mashed potatoes that were creamy, buttery and delicious. I was impressed that it’s priced at $62 which compares with a price tag of $90 at the other few restaurants in Miami that feature it.
Dessert was a specialty of the house, profiteroles ($9) . The puff pastry was in larger rounds than the classic, and were a bit chewy which I much prefer. Each was filled with a half scoop of vanilla ice cream and poured over with a Valhrona 70 % dark chocolate. Divine.
On other visits in the past we’ve especially enjoyed the onion soup topped with a liberal layer of melted gruyere cheese ($12), the tender and flavorful duck confit leg served with roasted garlic potatoes ($27), beef carpaccio ($15) and tuna avocado tartare ($14).
Service is very good and friendly. Joulin is also assisted by his wife Laetitia who is also a real “pro”.
Wine and cocktail prices are very reasonable. Cocktails are $12 and beer is $7-$8. A glass of wine (6 ounce pour) starts at $10 and a bottle at $49. Semilla is also a popular place for its happy hour offered Monday through Saturday, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Oyster lovers take note! On Wednesday oysters are $1 each.
Semilla, 1330 Alton Road, Miami Beach 33139. Dinner only Monday through Saturday
While you’re in that neighborhood, check out the schedule of the nearby Miami Beach Botanical Garden to see what’s happening as they have all kinds of fun events year round, and not just garden related! If you don’t know the Garden, check out my post on the top botanical gardens in Miami and South Florida.
