Promising Signs for a Struggling Food Scene

Time flies, and it’s hard to believe we’re already in March. It’s been about a year since the pandemic turned our lives upside down, and the local food scene has experienced quite the roller coaster ever since. But things have been looking up in 2021, as a slew of new restaurants have opened this year, with many more to come.

One of the biggest names to join the scene is Est. 33 Thai Brewery & Kitchen (701 S. Miami Ave., 4th Floor, 305.425.9266). The new eatery at Brickell City Centre combines Asian flavors and American BBQ techniques for an appetizing experience.

Think crispy pork cracklings, mushroom spring rolls, burnt-end brisket fried rice and lamb chops. The expansive menu is complemented by house brews like the One & Only Kopper, Est. 33’s version of a Vienna-style lager. Despite the name, the restaurant also boasts a robust roster of whimsical cocktails with names like Thai Me Up.

Just over the bridge in downtown Miami, Taqueria Hoja (19 SE 2nd Ave., Suite 4, 786.534.2768) has replaced the former Balloo location at the Ingraham Building. The new tenant has swapped out Caribbean fare for tasty tacos and other affordable Mexican bites. Leading the kitchen at this new joint is Alex Chang, whose name might sound familiar to local foodies. Chang previously helmed Vagabond Kitchen & Bar at the namesake Vagabond Motel years ago, before leaving for the West Coast.

Compared to Chang’s previous venture, Taqueria Hoja is far more casual, but no less delicious. Proteins include carne asada, heritage pork and chorizo, plus a few more. But what the establishment lacks in selection, it more than makes up for in taste – these are some darn good tacos.

Austin, Texas-based Uchi (252 NW 25th St., 305.995.0915) has set up shop in Wynwood, bringing its award-winning cuisine to the 305. The offerings are a sushi lover’s dream; dozens of delights comprise the menu at this Japanese restaurant. Among the highlights are the machi cure – smoked yellowtail, yuca crisp, marcona almond and Asian pear – and the bluefin akami crudo with aji Amarillo, blood orange and pumpkin.

For guests who can’t decide on what to order, there are three tasting menus available: two six-course tastings (one vegetarian) and a chef’s tasting of 10 courses. Regardless of whether you opt for a tasting or stick to a la carte, you’re in for a treat.

New York’s Cote (3900 NE 2nd Ave., 305.434.4668) has also made its way down to Miami – specifically, the Design District. The Michelin-starred Korean steakhouse is all about the meats. There’s an entire menu section dedicated to “Meat, Meat & More Meat.” If you lean toward veggie fare, this probably isn’t the place for you. If you do, prepare to eat well.

One of the big draws is the Butcher’s Feast, where the table can enjoy four selected cuts with a bevy of Korean accompaniments. The other big draw is the steak omakase, which is essentially the grand tour of – you guessed it – meat.

In Miami Shores, the popular Coral Gables spot Tinta y Café (9840 NE 2nd Ave., 305.456.0137) opened its second outpost. This new location for the Cuban eatery features the same menu as the original; the biggest difference is the larger dining room. For the most part, everything else remains unchanged: the coffee is still strong, the sandwiches are still monstrous and the prices are still a steal.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

As you can see, there’s a lot to like about 2021 so far. And the year is just getting started! New York’s Major Food Group – the team behind the Italian powerhouse Carbone – is opening two new concepts in the Design District. One of them, a Japanese restaurant, will take over the former Ember and Kaido spaces, while an Italian-style trattoria will open nearby.

Little River’s Manjay also has big plans this year. The Haitian spot inside Citadel Food Hall is branching out on its own, taking its griot and other Caribbean fare to Wynwood. The new location will allow for a bigger menu and expanded seating options. Until then, Manjay will be using its food truck as a test kitchen across Miami.

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.