Thursday night myself and two of my very inspiring and talented food and wine friends ventured to The Design District for dinner; specifically we were in search of Grass Restaurant and Lounge, where the talented Micah Edelstein performs his magic. My entourage consisted of an executive chef whose talent and easy-going demeanor are second to none, a wine expert/guru whose superior knowledge of the grape leaves me completely speechless, and then I was sitting among them (at one point there were 17 random people ). conversations taking place at the same time and I’m not sure if any of them were really complete thoughts). It was no coincidence that the three of us were able to have dinner together, it was carefully planned and executed to the minute as the season and schedules do not allow for more than a quick email between us. Miami is exciting. The Design District is exciting and Micah Edelstein is a celebrated talent known for his eclectic global cuisine, so what more could three foodies ask for on a Thursday night?
Grass Restaurant & Lounge is an open-air restaurant in the heart of Miami’s Design District. Grass Restaurant & Lounge has a new concept, refined and refreshing, natural eclectic world cuisine located in an unexpected oasis in the heart of a bustling city. The new menu is inspired by the travels of Micah Edelstein. He spent a decade living and working on six continents and his goal is to share with his guests the flavors he discovered from around the world. The new menu features his take on foods known and unknown with a focus on fresh and healthy artisanal creations.
We were about to start with many tempting and innovative menu items; the menu is so full of flavors and textures that we left the choice of wine up to our resident dinner partner-wine connoisseur to order the wine. And indeed his decision was the right one, David Bruce, Petite Sirah 2006 (California, Central Coast). The Petite Sirah was a perfect match for our Caramelized Shallot Focaccia “Sexy Nibbles” and Sosatie South African Lamb Skewers. After our ‘Sexy Nibbles’ we moved on to ‘Small Plates’ of Potstickers of Braised Duck with Leek and Figs and Ostrich Carpaccio, again paired perfectly with the Petite Sirah. The flavors, bites, and bites ran the gamut of flavors and textures, each one more eclectic and exciting than the last; it was as if the charming and gregarious Micah Edelstein personally took him on a world culinary tour.
For the main attraction we had Grilled Lamb Loin Chops and The Steak Stack, both cooked to perfection and meticulously presented as works of art; how truly appropriate in The Design District. With the exotic, experimental, and heady food, it didn’t leave you exhausted or complacent. Micah plans and serves dishes with a global flair and introduces his guests to worlds unknown, leaving them awash with appreciation for food and wine. Micah Edelstein shows you how to value the experience of food, how to savor food, and how to experience the wonder of food. Chef Edelstein is all about the fresh, the organic, the pure and the simple: she lets food speak for itself, preparing and serving it naturally; her enhancing it with minimal accoutrements just to bring out the purity of the food.
Experiencing an exquisite Miami evening that is the pure epitome of culinary art at The Design District, Grass Restaurant & Lounge with Micah Edelstein shaping and creating epicurean works of art is second to none.