Miami Spice: $45 dinner at José Andrés Aguasal Miami Beach
There are only two weeks left to take advantage of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) Miami Spice program. In all my years of “spicing”, this week’s Miami Spice dinner at the new José Andrés Mediterranean spot, Aguasal, was one of the best.
Aguasal, located in the newly reopened Andaz Hotel on Mid Beach, offers both a $45 and a $60 Spice dinner menu all seven days of the week and both options are creative and worth every penny or more.
I was solo dining this week, so opted for the $45 menu which goes down as one of the best meals I have had and at $45 did not cause me to mortgage my condo.
Aguasal is a warmly lit, cozy restaurant off the main lobby ,but also offers an equally welcoming outdoor seating and bar area.
On a warm evening, I sat outside and started my Miami Spice dinner with a cold glass of Albarino.
The 3 course $45 menu is varied with nice options for anyone:
APPETIZERS:
DATE AND ALMOND SALAD-baby spinach, red oak leaves, herbs, pickled red onions, radish
FRIED OYSTER MUSHROOM-whipped hummus, za’atar, lemon
WATERMELON & FETA SALAD-pistachio, watercress, black olive
ZUCCHINI SOUP- Toasted sesame seeds, croutons, pepper, cheese espuma
I chose to start with the Date and Almond salad, which was huge and lightly dressed with a fruity vinaigrette. Plenty of dates and almonds make this a standout in the salad category. I have heard that the Zucchini Soup is also delicious and very enjoyable.
ENTREES:
DORADE- pepper ezme, red watercress
CAULIFLOWER W/ TAHINI-sesame seeds, coriander, pomegranate, lemon labneh
FARM CHICKEN TAGINE-Moroccan spices, dried fruit, couscous
I love Tagine, so when I saw it offered on the menu, it was an easy choice. And it did not disappoint. The server arrived with the stoneware tagine of sliced farm chicken medallions over fava beans, dried fruit and a side of cous cous.
DESSERT:
SAFFRON ARROZ CON LECHE-Citrus, caramelized attiki honey, lemon sorbet
CHOCOLATE CAKE-Yogurt cream, candied orange, ras el hanout ice cream
No decision here: Warm chocolate lava cake with dots of yogurt cream topped with candied orange and ras el hanout spiced ice cream. The ice cream and chocolate provided for a sweet and savory balance. It was pretty incredible.
Of course, the $60 option is equally satisfying and offers completely different options except for the dessert course. Choose from Appetizers; Mussels Saganaki, Beef Tartare, Fried Calamari or Pink Gulf Shrimp with Entrée options; King Ora Salmon, Cobia or Hangar steak.
However, you choose, don’t miss this Miami Spice menu. Two weeks to go and counting down.
4041 Collins Ave.
Miami Beach, FL 33140