HomeMy WebLinkAboutWeb-page 3s
BY COLIN MCALLISTER
A, Meal and Then Some
The
Mandarin
Oriental
offers diners
a variety of
choices
Miami's hottest Friday night bash, Barefoot at Oasis, is back for a second
season at the Mandarin Oriental. Beach butlers check your shoes at the door
as you head out to the private beach where music by popular DJ Mark
Levanchal sets the mood for a unique, only -in -Miami soiree.
In keeping with the hotel's Asian roots, the beach is decorated with authen-
tic oriental style furnishings, and canopies of rich Thai materials and fabrics.
Exotic daybeds with comfy cushions are the perfect place to enjoy a Sunset
Martini or Mandarin Bliss right at the water's edge.
Oasis offers a dim sum menu including pork and shrimp steamed dumplings
with chili sauce; Indian vegetable samosas with tamarind sauce; pan-fried
chicken pot stickers and Chinese BBQ pork buns.
The Oasis Cabana, situated in an exclusive area of the beach, can be reserved
for private parties. A personal butler will make it an evening to remember with
a private bar stocked with vintage champagnes, a lavish display of culinary
delights, or whatever suits your taste.
Barefoot at Oasis takes place every Friday night from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
through May, and suitable attire ranges from beach to boardroom.
Inside, the Mandarin Oriental's more traditional dining venues continue to
be among the most popular and fashionable in Miami, and with good reason.
A recipient of the prestigious AAA Five Diamond Award for three years run-
ning, Azul is the hotel's signature restaurant featuring an innovative blend of
Mediterranean flavors with Asian influences.
Soaring glass windows with a breathtaking view of the skyline and bay form
the backdrop for Azul, where the magnificent white marble open kitchen and
raw bar capture diners' attention from the moment they enter. Azul's award
winning wine list features more than 700 world -class wines.
The more casual waterfront Cafe Sambal delights the eye as well as the
palate. Entrance to the restaurant is down an elegant staircase with a reflecting
pool at its base. Seashells are artistically embedded in the terrazzo floor, part of
a well -designed sophisticated ambiance. Guests can dine indoors or al fresco on
the terrace at the water's edge.
{ —Menu items include sushi Maki, seared duck breast, pad thai and other
Asian inspired culinary delights. The new Sushi and Sake Bar features an
extensive sushi menu and a large selection of sake by
the carafe or bottle. Six distinctive Japanese teas, cre-
ated just for Cafe Sanbal, are also available.
With such excellent dining possibilities, a visit to
the Mandarin Oriental is definitely "on the menu."
the DINING guide
the DINING guide
is courtesy of
www.uouthtloridaconrmet,rom,
the best source for food, wine,
travel and fine living.
PRICE GUIDE
Starters &woes Key
Inexpensive
Affordable
Moderato
Exper naive
34-55
S6-511
512-515
516.325
56-515 5
315.524 55
S25.53() 535
530.5,10 5555
Downtown/Brickell/
North East
Azul (Mandarin Oriental, Miami)
500 Brickell Key Drive
305-913-8254
Contemporary with Asian flair
The ideal setting for Chef Clay .Conley's
well -conceived and beautifully presented
dishes. The seared scallops and foie gras is
a real treat, as is the Moroccan Lamb. $$$
Bayview Grille
1633 N. Bayshore Dr.
305-536-6414
Caribbean
Festive medley of fresh seafood, Caribbean
dishes and Southern recipes. Tropical
delights include bruschetta Cubana, shrimp
cocktail margarita, and Jamaican chicken. S$
Capital Grille
444 Brickeli Ave.
305-374-4500
Steakhouse
One of the best steakhouses in town, where
power lunches last until late afternoon, and
cigar lockers are available to the aficiona-
dos. Wickedly rich desserts. $$S$
Indochina Asian Bistro
63§ S. Miami Ave.
305-379-1525
Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese
Great food at affordable prices -in, a -calming
and cozy atmosphere. Sushi menu includes
the innovative mango roll, but the pho
(Vietnamese beef and noodle soup) reigns
supreme. $$
Mendoza Miami Restaurant
1155 Brickell Bay Drive
305-377-4442
90 Miami Monthly ! DECEMBER 2005