Michael Mina 74, 4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach Florida, 33140
Mysterious, dark and glamorous; Michael Mina 74 is my kind of hang-out. The place oozes fabulousness by way of one of my favorite Miami Beach hot spots, the Fontainebleau Hotel. It’s snuggled into the lower level of the “Rat Pack”‘s former stomping grounds: think old school Hollywood Charm meets modern day sophistication. Friday night Spotlight, here I come!
I started my evening with a crisp and refreshing “Pimm’s Cup 74” (made with plymouth gin, pineapple, Pimm’s no. 1, lemon and mint.) I’ve always been a big Pimm’s lover, especially as I’ve frequented London (UK) a lot during the summer, but finding a drink stateside that compares is almost impossible. Until now! “MM74” hit the nail on the head big time with its version. It’s a definite must-try!! Yes, I’m a writer and I just used two exclamation points (insert crying emoji here.) Oh, how I love breaking the rules.
“The Kramer” (a new spin on the cosmo) was interesting and fizzy with a pretty aftertaste that lingers on the tongue (made with vodka, st. germaine, elderflower, aperol and lime.) It came complete with a lovely flower-pressed ice cube. Beautiful and delish; love it. Austin Powers would totally be jelly to know I was drinking the fanciful “Goldfinger” without him (made with bombay sapphire east, hangar one straight, tempus fugit kina l’avion d’or.) Don’t ask me about that last ingredient I just rattled off, all I know is this drink is decadent, mind-blowing and I savored every last drop. Can you say “another round, please?”
BTW, “MM74” has a really cool “Social Hour” where you can dine on complimentary snacks and drink for less; I tried a few things from that menu first. Everyone in my crew loved the “Lamb Brochettes” (little lamb meatballs with date chutney and onion yogurt,) but my heart belonged to the “Mini Caprese Salad” (made with toybox tomatoes stuffed with whipped burrata, topped with aged balsamic and basil pistou.)
For Miami Spice, “MM74” gave me a divine sampling of its menu: the meaty “Summer Crab Roll” (made with alaskan king, jumbo lump and snow crab with sambal aioli and warm ponzu butter) was extra decadent and the “Scallop Ditalini” (made with bay scallops, ditalini pasta, pesto and aged parmesan air) was my absolute favorite. The texture was lively and the pasta itself was unbelievably buttery. This dish absolutely melted in my mouth. I was smitten from the first bite.
My first dessert was a glass filled with “Churros” (topped with cinnamon sugar and served with dulce de leche.) It was total yummy goodness. Next was the decadent “Blueberry Clafoutis” (with vanilla anglaise and lemon crumble.) Hmmm….hello, lover. It must have been good because that’s how I usually address my designer shoes.
From the atmosphere to the presentation (and let’s not forget about the top quality taste,) “Michael Mina 74” is definitely one of my favorite things. Matter of fact, I can’t wait to go back. Especially to celebrate Miami Spice! (Yes, another exclamation point.)
Inside the uber-trendy and fabulously chic (aforementioned) Fontainebleau Hotel on Miami Beach. It’s just to the right as you walk inside the old school, Art Deco entrance. You’ll see a sign with the restaurant’s name and a winding staircase that leads down. Just follow it.
The hotel always has valet, but pack your patience as it’s always a bit of a waiting game on the beach. Street parking just isn’t an option unless you’re willing to walk. There’s a garage about four long blocks away. Maybe it’s worth walking off dessert, but I prefer the valet. It’s some of the best people watching the Magic City has to offer.
Sunday-Thursday 6pm-1am, Friday & Saturday 6pm-2am.
reservations: 305-674-4636
website: www.michaelmina.net
Instagram: @chefmichaelmina
Twitter: @MM74Miami
FB: Michael Mina
Editor: Matthew Auerbach
Photographer: James Woodley
Producer: Jessie Rosario
Dress: Chloé
Shoes: Bebe
Jewelry: Koko & Palenki
Purse: a gift from my mom!
Wanna dress me or provide accessories for Spotlight and get your boutique some exposure? If so, private message my stylist, Jackie Kay, on Instagram @JackieKay2013 (serious inquiries only.)
Special thanks to Brustman Carrino Public Relations