A glamorous Friday night dinner at HABITAT — where sophisticated food is served in a chic, unpretenious atmosphere.
Warm, inviting and exceptionally creative; HABITAT (inside 1 Hotel, South Beach) is exactly what you’d expect from Chef extraordinaire, Jose Mendin. When I went last Friday night, I fell madly in love with the place. From the beautiful plant-enhanced bar to the adorable Parisian-inspired dessert cart, the restaurant is a breath of fresh air for the Magic City. The menu, a fusion of Spanish, Latin & Asian cuisines, isn’t just inspiring, it’s nourishing, too.
The “Heirloom Beet Tartare” is the perfect example. While yummy, it’s something you can feel good about putting in your body (made with raspberries, pistachios and creme fraiche.) Just as good is the “Habitat Caprese,” with local baby tomatoes, melon, basil and mozzarella spheres that pop in your mouth. If you’re more of a sashimi lover, you’ll go crazy over “Hamachi Augachiles” (which is Japanese yellowtail in chili-spiked ceviche juice with watermelon, radishes and cilantro.)
I washed it all down with a “Fifth Element” (yes, like the movie.) I’ve never tasted anything like it! Combining tequila, pineapple, cilantro, avocado, agave, lime, egg whites and citrus salt, it definitely gets my boozy seal of approval. “That 1 Cocktail” is a pretty close second with vodka, ginger liquor, Prosecco and lemon zest. If you like berries with an elder flower twist, the “Blue View” is just for you (made with vodka, elderflower liquor, lemon and blueberries. ) The cocktails at Habitat are #refreshing #creative & #unique. 👌🏼🍸
I couldn’t wait to try the “Salt Cured Foie Gras” and it didn’t disappoint. Not only was it soft and buttery, its side of tomato chutney made it: “Hello, lovah” worthy. #NomNomNom. The Kimchee Mayo & Garlic Ponzu added an exciting twist to the “Octopus a la Planxa” and the “Clams Carbonara” is definitely something to write home about…
Four petite piles of linguine are placed on clam shells and served up as pretty as a picture. The dish is delicious and beyond decadent; don’t take it from me, take it from the woman sitting at the table next to me who said: “It’s the best thing I’ver ever tasted in my LIFE.” If that’s not a glowing recommendation, I don’t know what is. 🙌
From the Wood Fire Grill, the “Monk Fish,” which reminds me a lot of lobster (texture and taste-wise) has incredible seasoning and the tangy side of pickled fennel & radish really accented the flavor.
After a visit from the stylish dessert cart, I munched on a few Macaroons and Petite Fours —move over Laduree’ because these babies will give you a run for your Euro. #ComeToMama Ending my glamorous Friday night experience was the “Habitat” dessert with mint basil almond cake, chocolate mousse and mango, topped with coconut shavings. 😊
Whether you’re grabbing a few drinks (there’s an upstairs bar & a cute camper that serves cocktails, too) or a quick nosh, maybe even a leisurely dinner, HABITAT has the kind of panache our beautiful city is known for and its provocative food does more than just look good, it tastes GREAT and that’s why it’s one of my Favorite Things.
Habitat at 1 Hotel South Beach
2341 Collins Ave
Miami Beach, Florida 33139
305-604-6700
Valet recommended
Dinner is Sunday-Thursday: 6pm-11pm, Friday-Saturday: 6pm-12pm
Be Social:
IG: @habitatat1hotel
FB: @HabitatMiamiBeach
Twitter: @1Hotels #HabitatMiamiBeach
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