RC: What are the three most popular dishes with diners at Villa Azur? PR: The Provencal Octopus (pan seared octopus, fingerling potatoes, parsley, capers, cherry tomatoes, garlic, taggiasca olives and basil); the Ravioles (french raviole de Romans, truffle sauce, truffle carpaccio); and the Snapper (whole roasted snapper, lemon, thyme, crispy parsley and roasted tomato). RC: Why do you think diners love those dishes the most? PR: Patrons like those dishes because each one has multiple flavors. They bring an abundance of taste and texture to the palate, and are always highlighted in the feedback from our guests. RC: What are your personal top 3 favorite dishes at Villa Azur? Why? PR: 1) The Colorado Lamb Chop (lamb chop, apricot sauce, caramelized carrots, mashed french peas, mint and almonds) because I love the combination of the sweet and sour, and I adore meat. 2) The Scallops (pan seared scallops, chorizo crust, sautÊed zucchini and mussels). I like the combinations here – the seafood and the chorizo make it an intense dish. 3) The Baby Artichoke Carpaccio (baby artichokes, parmigiano, baby arugula and lemon dressing) because I like simplicity. The artichoke carpaccio is simple but just right with its fresh lemon dressing.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF VILLA AZUR
RC: Tell us about the cocktail program at Villa Azur and your wine selection. PR: Villa Azur has received the Wine Spectator's 2017 Award of excellence. Our menu is innovative, seasonally appropriate, and evolving. We strive to provide an experience where food, wine and cocktails all intertwine to invoke a truly remarkable dining experience.
"WE STRIVE TO PROVIDE AN EXPERIENCE WHERE FOOD, WINE AND COCKTAILS ALL INTERTWINE TO INVOKE A TRULY REMARKABLE DINING EXPERIENCE." - CHEF PHILIPPE RUIZ
RC: Do you have any special nights or ongoing parties at Villa Azur that you would like to tell our readers about? PR: Every Monday, Villa Azur offers 50% off on food and beverages for women. On Thursdays, Villa Azur hosts its "Original Thursday Night Dinner Party" with live entertainment, costumed greeters and a DJ. Fridays and Saturdays are busy with patrons looking for delicious cuisine and celebrating life, while sipping champagne and dancing on the tables.
RC: What makes Villa Azur so popular with tourists and locals? PR: Villa Azur pairs gastronomy and art to the highest level of perfection. Guests are not look- RC: Is there anything else you would like to share with Wire Magazine readers about ing to just dine but are actually looking for a full Villa Azur? entertainment venue. PR: The enchanted open-air courtyard is one of the most distinguishing features of the restaurant that enables guests to dine and dance under the stars, creating an atmosphere sans rival.
Villa Azur Restaurant & Lounge. 309 23rd St., Miami Beach #12 2018 WIREMAG.COM 9