By Angela Caraway-Carlton and Steven Mayer
Many chefs say, “we eat with our eyes first,” and these beautiful dishes will make your eyes pop and your mouth water with their stunning presentations. Enjoy the art of plating—from design to deliciousness.
Persian Sundae
Sundae, beautiful sundae! This Persian delight at popular Fooq’s is made with saffron and rosewater gelatos, shredded halava, roasted salted pistachios, medjool dates, Valrhona chocolate pearls and pomegranate molasses. While it tastes divine, it’s the pretty presentation in teacups that were given to owner David Fooq by his mother that make this dish extra-special. $12; Fooq’s, 1035 N. Miami Ave., Miami | 786.536.2749 fooqsmiami.com
The Rosette
Skip the flowers for Mother’s Day and gift mom a pretty-in-pink rosette cake from Buttercream Cupcakes & Coffee. The shop features a decadent rich chocolate layer cake sprinkled with Barry Callebaut dark chocolate chips and frosted with a vanilla-bean buttercream made with sweet cream butter and Nielsen-Massey Madagascar bourbon pure vanilla extract. 10-inch, $95; 8-inch, $60; Buttercream Cupcakes & Coffee, 1411 Sunset Drive, Coral Gables | 305.669.8181 buttercreamcupcakes.com
Japanese Whiskey Ceremony
Drinking should never be boring, and this whiskey ceremony (a signature Michael Mina experience) is over-the-top dramatic. Guests first select a Japanese whiskey from a tableside cart. Then, their glass is smoked with cloves and cinnamon—and torched. After the fire show, syrup infused with Tahitian vanilla beans and kumquat fruits is slowly drizzled into the glass. The star of the show, the Japanese whiskey, is then chilled over a starfruit-studded block ice cube. Cheers! $35; StripSteak by Michael Mina at Fontainebleau Miami Beach, 4441 Collins Ave. | 305.535.3283 | fontainebleau.com
Tartare di Tonno
Il Vaporetto in South Miami serves a tuna tartare that is out of this world. Prime ahi tuna is coupled with a Haas avocado and ponzu sauce in a visually appealing stack, making this the appetizer to order time and time again. $12; Il Vaporetto, 5894 Sunset Drive, South Miami | 305.763.8004 ilvaporetto-restaurant.com
Key Lime Tart
Pastry king Antonio Bachour finally has his own spot, Bachour Bakery + Bistro in downtown Miami, where he’s creating intricate works of art, many of which include edible flowers or bright and beautiful local tropical fruit. Everything on the menu is stunning like the previously offered Key Lime Tart/Entremet, pictured here. Bachour Bakery + Bistro, 600 Brickell Ave., Miami
305.330.6310 | bachourbb.com
Tonkotsu Ramen
Ichimi is Coral Gables’ newest restaurant serving up traditional Japanese cuisine with a twist. With the help of one of the region’s only authentic noodle-making machines imported straight from Japan, Executive Chef Constantine De Lucia serves up fresh ramen daily. The ramen is submerged in a 24-hour pork-based broth which is served piping hot with tender pork belly, hanjuku egg, bamboo shoots, takana and bean sprouts. $18; Ichimi, 2330 Salzedo St., Coral Gables | 305.960.7016
