Rouge, 908 71st Street, Miami Beach, Florida, 33141
Besides having incredibly delicious French and Moroccan cuisine, Rouge has the most romantic garden in its backyard, filled with pretty mosaic tables, colorful candle lanterns, a fire place and lots of lush greenery. It’s truly a small slice of paradise. Rouge calls it: “a green oasis in the midst of urban chaos.”
Inside, the mood is rich, dark and decadent. I especially love the waiting area by the long wooden bar (just as you enter the restaurant.) It reminds me of some of my favorite pubs in England with rich textures, warm lighting and a vintage piano to entertain guests.
I easily gobbled up the Beet and Goat Cheese Napoleon salad. It was sweet, succulent and extra yummy with pesto dressing. My absolute favorite, though, was the Tajine de Caille Farcis au Couscous, Merguez et Raisins (traditional Moroccan quail stuffed with lamb sausage, couscous and raisins.) I’ve never tasted anything quite like it: clean, flavorful and slightly spicy, made all the more interesting thanks to a saffron flare. I washed it all down with a suggested house Bordeaux. Perfection.
Last, but definitely not least, I split the Choco Crunch & Red Berries with my crew. It was beyond decadent with rich chocolate, a crumbly base, powdered sugar and just enough bite from the berries to balance out the sweetness. Believe you me, there were NO leftovers.
I absolutely adore Rouge. It was recently voted (and I’m not surprised) one of the “Most Romantic Restaurants in America” by OpenTable Diner’s Choice. It’s not only the perfect place to spend Valentine’s Day (they’re offering a special dinner menu,) it’s a great place for any kind of date.
It’s right in the heart of Normandy Village, a few steps from its famous Art Deco fountain. It’s a sweet little neighborhood with great restaurants and a nice farmer’s market on the weekend. Parking is easy; they have a lot in the back that boasts plenty of room.
Sunday-Thursday 12:00pm-11:00pm, Friday-Saturday 12:00pm-12:00am
Reservations: www.RougeMiamiBeach.com or call 305-720-9125.
IG: @RougeMiamiBeach
FB: Rouge
Editor: Matthew Auerbach
Photo: James Woodley
Writer: Shireen Sandoval
Media Liaison: Ambar Rodriguez