There’s a world of flavour to explore in Miami beyond Caribbean and Latin American fare. The Fairmont Turnberry Isle, located just minutes from North Miami Beach and South Beach asked Miami-based food blogger Paula Nino to come up with culinary must-tries in the area for guests looking to explore further afield; even though the hotel offers a spate of top notch dining options including nationally acclaimed Chef Michael Mina's new BOURBON STEAK restaurant.
Here are some of Paula’s highlights should you find yourself in the sunshine state with a hankering for something delicious that also happens to be off the beaten path:
• TIMO (1764 Collins Avenue, Sunny Isles Beach) - I’ve had the good fortune of eating at this restaurant where Tim Andriola serves up rib-sticking Italian and Mediterranean fare in a gracious setting. The highlight- blistered pizzas from the cozy, wood-burning oven, crispy oyster salad or a perfectly grilled grouper with tender crisp vegetable contorni.
• NAOE (175 Sunny Isles Boulevard, Sunny Isles Beach) - Looking for the freshest Japanese fare around? Look no further than the intimate, 17-seat Naoe, where Chef Kevin Cory’s “omakase” menu (Chef’s Choice) bento box is the perfect fit for adventurous eaters and culinary explorers. It’s recommended you make a reservation.
• RED LIGHT (7700 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami) – Tucked away in the MiMo District with a view to the Little River Neighbourhood, you’ll find this New Orleans inspired gem. Chef Kris Wessel draws from his NOLA roots to create a menu big on southern comfort food that’s fresh and flavourful. Highlights include the BBQ shrimp and the oyster pie.
• MICHY’S (6927 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami) – You’d be remiss to head to Miami and not stop by local celeb chef Michelle Bernstein’s upscale Iberian-influenced bistro made with local, seasonal fare. From blue cheese and Serrano ham croquetas to Peruvian ceviche and crispy chickpea panisse-there’s something for every palate.
• INDOMANIA (131 26th Street, Miami Beach) – Comfortable and family-friendly, this restaurant features the talents of a husband-wife team from the Netherlands that regales diners with Dutch-Indonesian dishes. Prepare to scarf a plate of rijsttafel (rice served with a series of sides) and beef rendang- a flavourful beef stew.
