Sunday Brunch: Exploring Quinto's Innovative Brunch de Barrio Experience
Indulging in a delightful Sunday brunch is always a cherished treat for me, and my excitement was palpable as I anticipated trying out Quinto's Cocina de Fuegos latest brunch concept. This novel culinary adventure, known as Brunch de Barrio or "Neighborhood Brunch," draws its inspiration from the vibrant street food culture of South America with a modern twist.
While Miami boasts a plethora of brunch options, what truly sets apart this brunch experience is its unique endless à la carte approach and bottomless sips. For a fixed price of $75 per person, patrons are treated to an endless feast that encompasses both delectable dishes and bottomless refreshing beverages. What distinguishes this brunch from the rest is the absence of a buffet; instead, guests are immersed in an enticing à la carte encounter. No need to leave your seat – you simply relax, and the attentive servers present an array of dishes and drinks to satisfy your every craving.
The beauty of this format lies in its shareable small plates, offering the perfect opportunity to relish a diverse range of flavors. Whether you opt for a tantalizing sampling of various plates or choose to savor a specific delight such as the Tostadas or the succulent Table de Carne, the choice is yours, all while nestled comfortably at your table.
And in a nod to sustainability and reducing food waste, Quinto’s endless à la carte brunch actually prevents the food waste associated with the self serve buffet brunches offered elsewhere.
Let’s not forget the captivating beverage selection, which spans across a delightful array of South American cocktails, wines, and beers. For those seeking non-alcoholic options, there's an equally appealing assortment of beverages, including horchata and jarritos.
With the concept now unveiled, let's delve into the elevated dining experience and menu of Quinto's Brunch de Barrio.
Quinto, Cocina de Fuegos, is perched on the 5th floor of EAST Miami with a captivating view of Brickell City Centre and the Miami skyline. Known for its distinct open-fire parrilla and wood-fired ovens, Quinto truly encapsulates the art of Cocina de Fuegos. A revelation from our visit was the fact that every culinary masterpiece gracing the menu has been touched by the restaurant’s parilla, a substantial wooden grill. This inclusion, whether it's the charred essence of tomatoes or the delightful addition of grilled lemon for that extra zest, adds a profound and unique dimension to the dining experience, emblematic of the restaurant's distinct charm.
Rather than the conventional division of starters and main courses, the menu is categorized into Barra Fria (cold) and Del Fuego (hot) selections. While sipping on our Prosecco, a brunch classic, and a Paloma, one of the signature cocktails, we decided within the Barra Fria repertoire, the allure of the tostada options was irresistible.
A particular standout for me was the Tostada de Pulpo – a masterful assembly featuring poached octopus, grilled pineapple, a delightful macha sauce, and a crowning touch of octopus chicharron.
Equally captivating was the Vuelve a la Vida, a seafood medley encompassing succulent shrimp, tender octopus, delectable calamari, and plump oysters, all luxuriating in an invigorating orange-lime tomato cold broth. This dish was a celebration of oceanic delights, a true testament to Quinto's culinary finesse.
Among the signature array of Del Fuego choices, the selection is a true treasure trove of culinary delights, making the decision-making process a delightful challenge. However, our craving led us to the irresistible Baja Tacos – a dynamic duo of deep-fried grouper tacos crowned with vibrant purple cabbage, a drizzle of chipotle aioli, and topped with creamy avocado. The pairing was an ideal sharing experience.
For aficionados of succulent meats, the Tabla de Carne awaits your discerning palate. This offering presents a triumvirate of meaty pleasures – grilled skirt steak, NY strip steak, and a perfectly grilled rack of lamb, all accompanied by the ever-flavorful chimichurri sauce. It's a carnivore's haven that promises a symphony of robust flavors. Naturally, the culinary maestros at Quinto are more than willing to cater to your preferences, if you wish to curate your selection from this trio.
Should your culinary journey veer towards a vegetarian avenue, the Colifor Adobaba emerges as a unique oasis. Roasted cauliflower perched elegantly upon a bed of sesame and cauliflower puree.
Our exploration extended to the realm of libations, where we embarked on a captivating journey through a selection of expertly crafted cocktails. Among these liquid gems, the Paloma stood out with its refreshing fusion of flavors, while the Blood Orange Pisco Sour tantalized our taste buds with its unique twist.
The Cantarito, a mezcal masterpiece, showcased a harmonious blend of orange juice, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and grapefruit soda, all crowned with a tantalizing tajin rim.
In addition to these innovative concoctions, we indulged in the timeless allure of brunch classics. The effervescent charm of prosecco and the rich nuances of wine added a touch of sophistication to our culinary escapade. This medley of beverages complemented the flavors of our brunch selections.
Our foresight to preserve room for the sweet finale was a testament to our dedication to savoring every facet of this remarkable brunch experience.
To conclude our culinary journey, you're truly in for a treat with any of the options. Our selection included the Pastel de Elote, a delectable, sweet cornbread creation, and the indulgent Tostado de Tres Leches, elegantly adorned with a medley of fresh berries and a luscious cream. This dish is undoubtedly a cornerstone of Quinto's offerings, and an absolute must-try for anyone seeking a truly satisfying finale.
To further satisfy our cravings, we turned to the refreshing selection of paletas, or popsicles, each promising a burst of delightful flavors. We found ourselves captivated by the Mango y Leche de Coco paleta. This fresh blend of tropical flavors was the perfect conclusion to a dining experience that transcended expectations and left us with lasting memories of culinary excellence.
SUNDAY BRUNCH 12pm – 4pm
788 Brickell Plaza, Miami, FL 33131
5th Floor / EAST Miami
786 805 4646
*Complimentary valet for brunch, available upon request at hostess desk