The Butcher Shop

Photo Credit: Cantinetta Vintners.

This week's review is taking us to Wynwood! Located on 165 NW 23rd St, The Butcher Shop is a  chill place to hang out with friends and share some good beers. The restaurant is a bit out of sight for those who tend to traffic only Wynwood's Second Avenue, but it's totally worth it to get sidetracked for this "garden and grill." I was lucky--or unlucky--enough to have visited The Butcher Shop during the second Saturday of the month, which the regulars know to be one of the busiest days. The ambiance was great and felt very welcoming, but it certainly took us a while to get a table outside. We watched the Heat game and drank craft beers as we waited at the bar, half of which is outside--roofed but open--and the other half inside. Finally, we got seated at the tables that were more like benches covered with (obviously) alcohol-sponsoring umbrellas. We ordered a beer tower to start, accompanied by grilled octopus and Mongolian duck wings. The octopus was the best one I've tried! It was exactly how I like it, on the grill with a soft citrus-y taste. You could really feel the juicy meat as you bit into it. However, it was also the smallest dish of octopus I've had. The Mongolian duck wings were also quite good, but a bit too sweet for my taste; I prefer my good ol' buffalo wings. 

Photo Credit: Zoom Into Miami.

As a entrees, we ordered skirt steak and the prime sirloin burger. The steak had a really good flavor, but it was not evenly salted, which took away a lot from the experience. The fries, however, were freshly done and were right on point! The burger was also good, but not out of this world. Nonetheless, next time I hit The Butcher Shop I plan to try the Butcher Shop Signature Mix, which a friend has recommended as "the best burger" he's tried. The burger we ordered came accompanied with sweet potato fries and their honey mayo dip. The fries were good and so was the dip, but it left a weird aftertaste--at least for me. Overall, the food was good, but the reason why I'd love to go back to The Butcher Shop is for its atmosphere. It's definitely the place to be on a cool Miami night.

SUGARCANE

Photo Credit: Miami and Beaches.

Located in Midtown on 3252 NE 1st Avenue and conveniently hidden from view by a tall hedge, Sugar Cane appears to be a secret wonderland. Walk in through the arch and find a seat on the small patio--I promise it's the best part of the restaurant. What I would recommend for this restaurant is order to share. Take a date or just some friends and wait for your taste buds to be blown away. I'm sure everything you order from the menu will be amazing, but in case you need a head-start, here are some recommendations. As far as the crudos go, I tried the scallop apple, black truffle, lime and jalapeño. What was interesting about this dish was that all the flavors clearly stood out in my mouth. I could distinctly savor the fresh green apple and hints of lime--and don't worry, it wasn't spicy at all! Then, the tapas. Wow. The bacon wrapped dates were absolutely amazing. If you're a bacon fan please go for it. Meat was the most pronounced flavor, followed by the sweet hint of dates. After the date came the american wagyu sliders.

Photo Credit: Honest Cooking.

They were mini burgers topped with a sunny-side-up quail egg and lathered in tonkatsu sauce--don't worry about the name, just know it tastes great! The beef short ribs, referred to as "Korean style" were pretty good, too. I probably wouldn't call them my favorite since I like them best just on the grill. Finally, the sushi. I am not a big fan of sushi; in fact, I rarely ever order any because I cannot eat more than a couple. But for the crunchy tuna sushi at Sugar Cane, I could've eaten every single one. It was absolutely delicious, so do order it!! Honestly, this restaurant is a great deal, given that the prices are not too bad for the quality of food that you will be getting. So go ahead and let me know what you think!

Seaspice

Photo Credit: Miami and Beaches.

Located next to the Miami River, on 422 NW North River Dr, Seaspice provides a great atmosphere for a relaxing weekend afternoon--if you're inside. On the dock, the restaurant turns into a party with a live DJ and lively group of people. Seaspice has great customer service, not once was my cup empty or the table dirty. One of the dishes was a little overcooked, and the waiter immediately changed it. But apart from the slightly burned octopus, the food was great. The Meli Melo of Tartare was delicious, with the avocado giving the tuna and salmon the perfect touch. The Escargot Toast was also very well prepared as was the Truffle Brie Tart; certainly one of the best ones I've tried. However, what truly stole the show was the Snapper. It came beautifully adorned--it even caught the attention of the tables around--and the waiter did not miss a beat as he showed it off.

Photo Credit: Zoom Into Miami.

He cut the snapper in large pieces for those at the table with the side of mashed potatoes and a delicious butter-based sauce. It has been the best fish I have eaten in a long time. It suffices to say the table turned quiet as soon as everyone began to eat. As for the drinks, the Moët Ice with strawberries and blueberries was both refreshing and delicious. However, I must give a few warnings. First, if you don't make a reservation, there is very little hope you will get in. Second, the area around Seaspice and its exterior are quite different to how it truly is on the inside. Third, just make sure to keep an eye on the check! And a few recommendations: go with a group and order dishes to share. That way you can try a little of everything and enjoy good company in a great restaurant.