AT THE TABLE / ROOM SERVICE
Area 31
The Restaurant
The flavor of Essensia (The Palms Hotel & Spa) proves that environmentalists can still be foodies. Ingredients used are local, organic and seasonaleven the wine list is 100% sustainable, organic or biodynamic (decision-making is easier with a flight of three for an “interactive wine voyage”). The relaxing and natural vibe here whispers spa from the gardens visible from the dining room and terrace to the casual foliage accents inside. Speaking of spas, check out the menu’s spa selections for low calorie options. If views are what you crave, enjoy the sweeping overlook of the Miami River and Biscayne Bay from 16 floors up at Area 31 (EPIC Hotel), though your meal actually hails from Fishing Area 31, the Western Central Atlantic waters including the Florida coast (the name is no coincidence). Every table is afforded amazing sights, not just those seated by the 12-foot windows. The kitchen is central and open for those seated in the inside
Essensia The Palms Hotel & Spa 3025 Collins Avenue Miami Beach 305.534.0505 thepalmshotel.com Chef Frank Jeannetti Cuisine: Natural Gourmet
84
Cravings | August / September 2010
BLT Steak
dining area, while terrace diners order poolside or in private cabanas. As the name implies, Area 31’s focus is on seafood though landlubbers will find what they crave in the secondi and contorni sections of the menu. Offering similar panoramic views of the skyline and Bay but with a completely different feel, Eos (Greek for “new dawn”) (Viceroy Miami) cuisine is modern Greek with influences from Portugal, Spain and Morocco. The impressive 15th floor views have nothing on the lavish décor, black and white glam with pops of color. Featuring a small plates menu, Eos is designed so each patron can experience, discover and share any desired flavor combination. Be sure not to skip the raw section of the menu for the perfect starter. For Mediterranean flavor in the quintessential South Florida setting, enter Wish (The Hotel). Dine al fresco in the tropic garden featuring a fountain
Area 31 EPIC Hotel 270 Biscayne Boulevard Miami 305.424.5226 area31restaurant.com Chef John Critchley Cuisine: Seafood
Eos Viceroy Miami 485 Brickell Avenue Miami 305.503.4400 viceroymiami.com Chef Michael Psilakis Cuisine: Mediterranean
or inside the dining room’s inner garden for a similar experience (complete with palm trees). The cuisine is fresh, seasonal and vibrant, as described by executive chef Marco Ferraro, who delivers the simplicity of good food combined with good technique. Fun perk: The menu itself lights up for easy reading. Double fun perk: The martini ice cubes also light up. Find a different kind of Mediterranean cuisine, one with a strong Asian influence, at Azul (Mandarin Oriental). The folks here have thought of everything from the marble open kitchen with raw bar and the impressive lengthy wine table to the more personalized touches such as offering pashminas (in various colors) and reading glasses (in various strengths) for the comfort of the patrons. Waterfront views are to be admired from the terrace or through the floor-to-ceiling windows that surround three sides of the airy and chic dining area. Though most non-steak houses in the area
Wish The Hotel 801 Collins Avenue Miami Beach 305.531.2222 wishrestaurant.com Chef Marco Ferraro Cuisine: Mediterranean
Azul Mandarin Oriental 500 Brickell Key Drive Miami 305.913.8288 mandarinoriental.com Chef Clay Conley Cuisine: Mediterranean/Asian