A Healthier Start to 2021

Happy New Year! It’s official: 2020 has finally – and thankfully – come to an end. Here’s hoping things go back to a better new normal in 2021. Speaking of normalcy, it’s around this time of year that nearly everyone resolves to improve themselves in some shape or form.

For many of us, that might mean losing those extra quarantine pounds. Let’s be honest: Being cooped up at home all day hasn’t exactly been kind to our scales. Fortunately, Miami’s diverse food scene offers plenty of lighter options.

One of those is Itamae (140 NE 39th St., #136, 305.631.2664) in the Design District. In March, the Japanese-Peruvian eatery closed its stall for good at the former Politan Row food hall. Reopening quietly during Thanksgiving week, the Nikkei-inspired concept is back with its own dedicated space just steps away from its former home.

The larger restaurant space allows for a wider-ranging menu of flavorful ceviche, sushi and bowls packed with healthy proteins like salmon, tuna and whitefish. A crowd (and personal) favorite is the Lost in Translation roll, with its tasty mix of tuna, salmon, avocado, quinoa and aji Amarillo.

For something quick and light yet filling, head over to Mr. Mandolin (7301 Biscayne Blvd., 305.846.9130). The Mediterranean fast-casual spot is the MiMo destination for gyros and kebabs. The restaurant touts the fact that everything is ethically raised and harvested, and that no hormones or antibiotics are used. At Mr. Mandolin, you can order a tasty assortment of shaved meats, dips, salads and savory pies that won’t break the bank or your lose-weight resolution. Even desserts like the walnut baklava and tahini buns carry a ton of flavor without the guilt.

If you’re thinking of going completely plant-based or just eating more vegetables this year, you’re in for a treat. More and more concepts in South Florida are getting creative when it comes to vegan and vegetarian cuisine.

Case in point: Love Life Café (2616 NW 5th Ave., 305.456.4148) in Wynwood. The 100% plant-based restaurant features one of the biggest non-meat menus in town. From breakfast to late-night bites, the eatery has meat-free counterparts for just about every craving. Think tacos, burritos, burgers, wraps, pizzas … the list goes on. There’s even a vegan mac and cheese that’s as close as we’ve found to the real thing. And at night, the place hosts a vegan sushi concept known as Shido. Love Life Café truly has something for everyone.

OPENINGS

In spite of the COVID-19 pandemic, the local restaurant scene’s growth shows no signs of slowing down. Many new places are already making a mark in their respective communities. The long-awaited Red Rooster (920 NW 2nd Ave., 305.640.9880) in Overtown is one of those spots. The eatery by Food Network star Marcus Samuelsson was scheduled to open early last year but – unsurprisingly – the coronavirus impacted those plans.

It’s finally here, though, and we’re looking forward to trying its menu of hot honey fried chicken, short ribs and other Southern favorites. What’s special about the Miami location is that the menu also incorporates influences from the local Caribbean community, which is a nice touch.

Another notable opening is Pani (19501 Biscayne Blvd., Ste. 940, 877.568.7264) in Aventura Mall. The whimsical Argentinean restaurant is built for Instagram, with savory and sweet fare presented in the most camera-friendly ways. While the aesthetic may be jarring for some, rest assured there’s a ton of substance behind all the style. Expect Latin classics like empanadas and beef Milanese alongside breakfast bowls, waffle and bagel sandwiches, Italian specialties, and an assortment of cakes and pies.

CLOSINGS

Not all of this month’s food news is good news. The pandemic continues to have devastating effects on the restaurant industry. The Design District recently bid farewell to two flagship tenants: Kaido and Ember. The concepts from acclaimed chef Brad Kilgore of Alter will not be reopening; neither lasted for long. Ember – the younger of the two – actually spent more time closed than it did open, which made reopening all the more difficult. 

Geoffrey Anderson Jr. and Dianne Rubin-Anderson are co-founders of Miami Food Pug, an award-winning South Florida food blog that fuses the couple’s love of dogs and food.