Barton G. 1427 West Ave. Miami Beach, Florida, 33139
At Barton G. not only is “presentation everything,” it’s also about how you feel and at this South Beach eatery, they want you to feel great and have fun. It’s been awhile since I’ve been to this Miami staple, but when I went last week (to check-out some of their new menu items,) I remembered why I loved the place so much.
People were smiling, laughing and thoroughly enjoying their food experience and that’s not really something I’ve seen since starting my food blog. Not only is the food cool and creative; it’s culinary innovation at it’s finest without being pretentious. I felt excited and awe-inspired as soon as I walked through the front door.
From the “Below Zero Nitro-Bar” I started with two amazing drinks: “Buddhalicious” (made with pear infused vodka, lychee and cranberry, served with a nitrogenized pop of pear vodka) and “Cooper’s Margarita” (don julio silver tequila, triple sec, sweet and sour with a grand marnier popsicle.) Holy fabulousness! Both drinks were wonderfully whimsical and packed an extra punch with their liquor-infused popsicles.
For starters I tried three of Barton G’s new appetizers: “Holy Smokes Popcorn,” “The Devil’s Eggs” and “Champagne Oysters & Caviar.” The popcorn (which comes in a Holy Smokes case) is perfect for the truffle lover in your life; made with bacon, white truffle, black truffle, grated parmesan and fresh herbs. The eggs come caged with a carton to boot; made with truffles, bacon, garlic and garden herbs. Last but not least, the oysters (wrapped in a champagne cucumber mignonette, yuzu bubbles and beluga caviar) were absolute perfection and came in a really captivating octopus plate.
Before my main course I tried the colorful “Octopus Terrarium Salad” (filled with a speckling of deep sea yumminess, including seaweed.) The funky “Polynesian Fish Fry” (which is a crispy whole snapper, coconut jasmine rice, spicy veggie pineapple slaw and miso-kona lime remoulade, ) was my main event! The fish practically fell off the bone and who doesn’t love Jasmine rice? It’s one of my absolute favorite things on planet earth. The yummy side sauces complimented every bite perfectly.
Dessert was an over-the-top, free-for-all (in a good way) with the “Lolli Pot Garden” and “Brain Freeze.” The garden was beautiful with a variety of sweets and cake pops (mere words can’t even do the presentation justice) and the brain on a plate:(chocolate fudge mousse cake) was moist, rich and beyond decadent.
Needless-to-say, I did not leave hungry (which sometimes I do on my food blog!) I also left happy; my face actually hurt from smiling. Barton G. has a special artistic spirit that’s totally contagious. I noticed when dining, as each plate emerged from the kitchen (no matter the table,) everyone took turns oohing and awing over it. A mutual love of all things inspiring makes the restaurant’s vibrant energy undeniably palpable. Cheers!
In the heart of South Beach, just a few blocks away from Alton Road. Street parking is really tough in this area, but the good news? Barton G. provides a speedy valet; one you don’t have to wait a million years for like most restaurants on the beach.
Sunday-Thursday 6pm-10pm, Friday-Saturday 6pm-12am
www.bartongtherestaurant.com
Twitter: @Barton_G, IG: @bartongmia, FB: Barton G. The Restaurant
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