Currently on vacation in Florida, Dan and I spent a few days chillin' in Miami. I look forward to hanging out here each time, as there's never a shortage of culinary wows, and it's always a scene I love to explore. This time around, we ventured over to Miami's up and coming Design District and lunched at Michael's Genuine Food & Drink.
Atmosphere:
Just a few miles away from South Beach lies the charming and very much developing neighborhood, also known as the Design District. Neighboring Wynwood, which is also known for its many art galleries and intricate mural art, The Design District is becoming a great neighborhood to also check out new restaurants. Michael's in particular has been on my list for quite a while, as it's known in food circles as the go-to-place for delicious, locally grown food.
As we walked up to the restaurant, we noticed it's nestled around a few upscale art and fashion boutiques, creating a little inside courtyard, which in turn serves as Michael's outdoor dining area. Although it was warm outside, it looked as it would rain soon, so we headed indoors.
Upon walking in, I was glad we chose to dine inside, as I was really digging the atmosphere. It was simple and clean, with a red and black motif. The lighting was especially beautiful with these low light fixtures that hung on really long wires that almost came down table side. The artwork was pretty spectacular too, doing justice to its artistic locale.
Food:
The lunch menu was filled with a generous selection of locally sourced salads, sandwiches, pizza and larger entrees. We were definitely hungry but at the same time didn't want to overdo it, so we each chose a main dish and then topped off the meal with a perfect dessert.
Heirloom Tomato Salad - I couldn't refuse ordering this, and even our waiter called it a "must have." Staring at their counter full of irregularly shaped heirloom tomatoes told me that this ingredient is plentiful here, and therefore they must know what to do with it.
Even though it was simple, I loved everything about this salad, as it was juicy and refreshing, sophisticated, as well as healthy. The yellow beets, which were also incorporated were gorgeous and provided a little sweetness to this otherwise tangy medley. An addition of beautiful Roquefort cheese was welcome, giving this salad a hint of richness and creaminess.
Crispy Florida Shrimp Sandwich - Taking a bite of Dan's sandwich was also nice, as it brought home that fried goodness. One thing I didn't love was the actual shrimp, which reminded me of fried clam strips. This isn't a bad thing at all, but it's just not what I expected.
Since we're on vacation and Dan wanted to bring this to the next level, he also ordered a side of bacon. Totally out of this world, it was everything a perfect bacon slice should be - salty, smoky, a little crunchy and lean.
Home Brew Sundae - So glad that we saved room for dessert, this sundae put us over the edge. Consisting of layers of genius, aka homemade malted caramel, pretzels, toasted marshmallows and beer ice cream, it provided a beautiful ending to our meal. Loving the juxtaposition between sweet, bitter and salty, the sundae delivered on sophistication by way of simple ingredients. Like I said - genius!
Service and Cost:
The service as Michael's, like its food, is pretty genuine. Our waiter was attentive but not in your face, and knew this food really well. I like that he stated his recommendations with confidence and his suggestions turned out to be sound.
Costs are pretty expensive, but for a memorable, high quality meal, I think they're worth it. Lunch set us back about $72 in total with tax and tip.
3 Genuine Mmmms
Michael's Genuine Food & Drink - 130 NE 40th Street, Miami FL 33127
305.573.5550
www.michaelsgenuine.com
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