The District Miami, 190 NE 46th Street, Miami, Florida 33137
With sultry amber lighting, beautiful contemporary artwork and interesting Pan-American cuisine, The District Miami is one of the most sophisticated restaurants the Magic City has to offer. From the moment I walked in the door, I felt cozy, comfortable and connected. Feeling at home…
I bee-lined it to the bar: its exposed brick and stucco-colored wood walls made it incredibly warm and inviting. Because I went on a “Frid-Yay,” I was itching to start the weekend off right, which for me means something strong and something spicy. The El Limo (with tequila, grapefruit pure, lime and aji limo) definitely did the trick. It went down super-fast and super-easy.
While waiting for another round, the bar served up a plate of mini Lobster Tacos (with aji amarillo, escabeche, pickled cabbage and crispy shallots.) It may have been a small portion, but it was BIG on flavor; I loved it. Matter-of-fact, I didn’t think things could get any better, until I wrapped my hands around the Buenavista Basil Julep (with whiskey, bruised basil, lime and honey syrup.) This bold and beautiful drink, served with a mini mountain of crushed ice, is a definite must-try.
Actually, most drinks at The District Miami are worth trying because of their fabulous Monday through Friday Happy Hour. With half price drinks and affordable menu items, you get quantity and quality. If I can’t get there during the week, though, I really like their affordable bottomless mimosa weekend brunch special (for more info, see the *When” part of the blog.)
I started the sit-down part of my meal with the Colorado Lamb Tartare appetizer (with toasted pine nuts, mustard oil, shallots, capers and a quail egg.) Honestly, I’m not a big raw meat fan, but I would definitely eat this again. The taste was fresh, rich and wonderful. I washed it down with The District Passion (with light rum, passion fruit puree, muddled raspberries, lime juice and aji amarillo.) This drink was freaking fan-tab-u-lous! It’s sweet, tangy and spicy all at once! Mmmmm…
For dinner, I tasted three dishes all while sipping on the yummiest Lycheetini (made with vodka, lychee puree, fresh watermelon, St. Germain, lime and mint.) The Lamb Duo which, by the way, was my absolute favorite, totally knocked my socks off. It was beautifully plated, had a generous portion and was unbelievably succulent (made with smoked pomegranate BBQ lamb ribs, pickled purple cabbage, a grilled half lamb rack, sweet potato puree and butternut pumpkin salad.)
The Branzino (with malanga foundue, artichoke escabeche and clam mojo) reminded me of a Scandinavian dish: clean and creamy. The Caribbean Cobia (with Caribbean-jerk adobo rub, blue potato goat cheese mash and hearts of palm escabeche) was a spirited spicy dish with amazing mash! I’d never had taters look so blue and taste even better. Just when I thought I couldn’t eat anymore…
Out came the most amazing gooey concoction. I whispered “hello lover” to the 4-Leches Parfait (with macadamia nuts, vanilla caramelized pineapples and Italian merengue.) I sucked it down like I had never eaten before. Last but definitely not least, came the sinful and sexy Black Magic (with semi-sweet chocolate mousse, homemade marshmallows, chocolate ganache, sweet potato vanilla bean drizzle, sweet potato vanilla bean drizzle, pistachio cookie and vanilla ice cream.) Okay, I can die now.
The District Miami is located on the outskirts of Miami’s Design District in the Buena Vista neighborhood. The restaurant actually used to be a house, but was remodeled and restored into this beautiful eatery. With that being said: its location has limited parking, because you’re basically surrounded by other houses. The good news, though: they provide a very affordable and efficient valet.
First things first, Happy Hour! Monday-Friday 5pm-7pm with a fun bar menu featuring $5 to $7 dollar dishes and HALF OFF all cocktails. The District Miami also hosts “Wine Down Wednesdays” with 1/2 off wine bottles under $100 bucks.
Dinner is Sunday-Thursday 5pm-11pm, Friday-Saturday 5pm-12pm. Brunch is amazing, too! I love their $14 dollar bottomless mimosas on Saturday & Sunday from 10am-4:30pm. Lunch is Monday-Friday 12pm-4:30pm.
Reservations: www.TheDistrictMiami.com
Twitter: @DistrictMiami
IG: @TheDistrictMiami
FB: The District Miami
Shirt: Koko & Palenki
Belt: @KoreBoutique (Instagram)
Vintage St. John pants: Hollen & Jen Vintage Showroom
Shoes: BCBG
Purse: JustFab
Editor: Matthew Auerbach
Producer: Jessie Rosario
Writer: Shireen Sandoval
Photographer: James Woodley
Specials thanks: TARA Ink. Public Relations