Michael’s Genuine
Last week I asked some of my foody friends what their favorite restaurant was in Miami. They invariably answered “Michael’s Genuine in Miami’s Design District.” Up until then, I thought of Michael’s as my secret!
Chef Michael Schwartz is unarguably the best chef in Florida. The New York Times lists him amongst the best chefs in the entire country and his restaurant is certainly proof of that. He clearly takes the name “Michael’s Genuine” seriously; his ingredients are pure and all natural. They are often hard to find delicacies that enhance the flavor of every dish he makes. He keeps ingredients in his food to a minimum. When you use the best quality ingredients available there is no need to go overboard on flavors and Michael has the enviable talent of knowing just how much to use and when to stop. His dishes are unique and well thought-out, using interesting flavors and techniques to stimulate all of your senses. Chef Schwartz’s partner Charles Bells says “Michael is phenomenal”, and I have to agree. Luncheon at Michael’s was memorable indeed. Sadly, I had to share with two of my foody friends, such a greedy group. We were grasping for every morsel, but at the end we were all very satisfied.
We started with deliciously crispy hominy (also known as Peruvian corn) with chili and a squeeze of refreshing lime. I have had this starter before at dinner parties at Michael’s while enjoying some of their fabulous cocktails. I’m sorry to say that I don’t do cocktails at lunch, but the Hominy was just the right amount of spice to make me reconsider. When does lunch end and when does dinner begin? By the way their cocktails are served in small carafes nestled in a bowl of ice, a very nice touch. Next we dove into the Crispy Sweet and Spicy Pork Belly with Kimchi and Crushed Peanuts. Poetry could be written about that scrumptious dish; I really do hate sharing! But luckily the waiter arrived with a gorgeous platter filled with magnificent heirloom tomatoes (six varieties!) surrounding a luscious chunk of Burrata Mozzarella, the whole thing drizzled with rich fragrant olive oil and just the right amount of fresh basil. Colors, textures and flavors were balanced to perfection…in my mouth.
We started our entrees with my very favorite, Pan Roasted Poulet Rouge with Wood-Roasted Asparagus. This exquisite bird is originally from France but it is now raised in the US. Poulet Rouge is renowned for its pure full poultry flavor, and its lean skin. Michael is one of the few chefs that can treat this bird with the respect it deserves. He doesn’t junk it up with a multitude of ingredients, he simply pan-sears and roasts it to juicy, juicy perfection. We also had the Grilled Wild Salmon BLT. What a combination! Salmon at its best with flawless house-smoked bacon and more of those delicious tomatoes layered in toasted brioche bread slices; colors, textures, and flavors again playing an intrinsic part of Chef Michael Schwartz’s food.
If you don’t end the meal on the right note it could ruin your last impression. No problem at Michael’s, he has the best pastry chef in Florida - Hedy Goldsmith. My mouth began to water before I even tasted the beautiful arrangement of desserts she created. There were homemade fluffy white marshmallows, homemade pate de fruit made with fresh fruit, a miniature but “Genuine” root beer float, crunchy chocolate almond biscotti, pistachio currant tea cookies, and eye-popping deep dark brownies with chunks of peppermint patties baked inside! Hedy has that same gift Michael does; she knows how to hit the right balance. There were creamy textures, chewy textures, and crunchy textures, and nothing was too sweet; that’s how I got to taste everything!
In addition to those perfect cocktails, Michael’s Genuine has one of the most extensive beer menus in Miami, with 23 beers from 9 countries, and 7 US micro-brews. They also have a great selection of wine, port, sherry, and grappa. Service at Michael’s was attentive and personable, from the waiter to our hostess, managers, and off course Michael, Charles, and Hedy. Michael’s was quite busy during our late lunch on a Tuesday afternoon. They are open both for lunch and dinner, and reservations are a must.
Article by Desmond Gorges and Sarah Freedman-Izquierdo
Michael's Genuine is located at 130 N.E. 40th Street Atlas Plaza in the Miami Design District. The restaurant opens both for lunch and dinner. For reservations call 305.573.5550.
For more information visit their website at www.michaelsgenuine.com
