fbpx

5 & Dine: Healthy Bites

Arieteย 

Address: 3540 Main Highway, Coconut Grove.

The Buzz: A staple at the Coconut Grove restaurant, the Farmer is a menu item thatโ€™s been a local favorite since chef Michael Beltran introduced it at the opening in 2016. A fresh way to start any meal, ingredients change each season depending on which fruits and vegetables are available locally. One of the best recipes, and a chef favorite, has a sofrito (green onion is the main ingredient in the puree) base that lends further flavor to the array of seasonal vegetables (like radishes and edible flowers) in the bowl. Its sublime finish is created with perfection using Cuban guarapo (sugar cane juice) and a sour orange vinaigrette.

Contact: 786.615.3747; arietecoconutgrove.com

Estiatorio Ornosย  ย 

Address: 19565 Biscyane Blvd., Aventura.

The Buzz: Dessert doesnโ€™t have to be loaded with calories to taste good. A simple dessert, โ€œYiaourti me meliโ€ (Greek yogurt with honey), is a typical and smooth finish to a hearty, traditional Greek meal. Creamy yogurt, created in-house, is drizzled with fresh honey and crispy walnuts. Itโ€™s satisfying without the guilt. And did we mention itโ€™s yummy too?

Contact: 786.697.1681; michaelmina.net

La Fuga at the Shorebreak

Address: 2900 Riomar St., Fort Lauderdale.

The Buzz: Grouper, a delicate fish used often in Mediterranean cooking, pairs well with just about anything. Chef Michael Mayerโ€™s Cernia Al Forno (baked grouper) incorporates fragrant herbs to create a light crust on the baked fish, which is then surrounded on the plate with a smoked and savory ragout made with fresh Italian tomatoes. Tucked underneath the fish is a creamy homemade polenta. Itโ€™s comfort food to be sureโ€”but itโ€™s loaded with healthy ingredients.

Contact: 954.908.7301; shorebreakfortlauderdale.com

MaryGold’s Florida Brasserie

Address: 2217 NW Miami Court, Miami.

The Buzz: Thereโ€™s a lot that goes into the restaurantโ€™s deeply layered Cabbage Terrine entrรฉe. Think lasagna with just as much flavor but not all the carbs. It starts with savoy cabbage, the leaves brined with sea salt, and mushrooms marinated in broth. Each layer of vegetables is laid by hand atop slices of eggplant. Just before itโ€™s served, the broth, now full of flavor from the mushrooms, is brushed onto the whole stack and then itโ€™s grilled on one side a la plancha (on the griddle). While itโ€™s a favorite with vegetarians, the denseness of the dish will satisfy even the biggest appetite.

Contact: 782.522.6600; marygoldsbrasserie.comย 

The Drexel

Address: 1436 Drexel Ave., Miami Beach.

The Buzz: Prawns are possibly the most underrated seafood and maybe not everyoneโ€™s first choice. First, letโ€™s clear up the common misconception. Prawns are not just a big shrimp. They tend to be sweeter and meatier than their than smaller crustacean cousins. Chef Nano Crespo has a way with prawns, too, selecting wild, not farm-raised and from fresh water. The secret to this wild prawns dish is that the prawns are seasoned with only olive oil, salt and pepper; theyโ€™re then grilled on a charcoal, open fire at high heat for only a few minutes. The dish is finished off with fresh lemon juice, chives, parsley and chervil (sometimes referred to as French parsley, with an earthier depth than the usual herb). The careful preparation gives the sweet meat a smoky flavor. A greens and fennel salad completes the dish.

Contact: 305.692.0992; drexelmiami.com

You May Also Like

The Dish: Ocean Social by Chef Tristen Epps

The standout chef of Red Rooster fame unleashes his innovative kitchen talents at this seaside gem at Eden Roc.

The Dish: Thรฉos Estiatรณrio

Elevated Mediterranean cuisine and a warm, family vibe draw diners to Fort Lauderdale.

The Dish: All Hail Queen Miami Beach

The showstopping concept from Mr. Hospitality takes destination dining to new heights.

Motherโ€™s Day Dining: Best Brunches

Celebrate Mom with a weekend treat at one of these standout South Florida restaurants.

Aqui

Other Posts

5 & Dine: Around the World

The culinary influences at these outstanding South Florida restaurants span the globe.

The Dish: Runway 84

5 things to know about the reimagined restaurant that has Fort Lauderdale buzzing.

At ZZโ€™s Club in Miami, Throw Caution to the Wind

From the neon sign that everyone who passes through Miami Beachโ€™s South of Fifth points out to a hidden culinary membership club in the Miami Design District. Thatโ€™s the leap that Major Food Group made last year by following up the South Beach it-spot Carbone with the enigmatic ZZโ€™s Club. The discreet venueโ€”packed in season,

Fogo De Chรฃo Delivers a Meaty Performance on Las Olas Boulevard

Bustling Las Olas?Boulevard?remains a foodie destination for its wide selection of high-end restaurants perfectly capable of producing an elegant evening. Yet, the luxurious interior mixed with the carnivorous food experience at Fogo de Chรฃo stands out among the establishments in the area. Located along the east side of Las Olas under the opulent The Main