Friday, February 1, 2013

neMesis Urban Bistro (Miami) Epic Tasting Menu



I recently returned to one of my favorite restaurants in Miami, neMesis Urban Bistro.  I've previously written about my love of chef Micah Edelstein and her funky little restaurant here and again after an awesome Cobaya "Dunch" which ended up as my fifteenth best meal of 2012.

Why am I such a big Micah fan? It's because Micah consistently puts out creative and amazing combinations of foods and flavors.  She has a real delicate hand which results in perfectly balanced flavors.  And she's obviously not afraid to take chances and those chances almost always taste great.  

One of the best things about going to neMesis is that you know Micah will always be behind the stove in plain view cooking your food.  She routinely works the room explaining dishes and their inspiration to guests.  She is always there and when she is on vacation the restaurant is closed. No need to worry about an inexperienced sous chef cooking your special meal.  You want Micah, its Micah you get!

I recently had family in town and my brother in laws' only request was to get a great Cobaya like dinner.  I instantly contacted Micah and booked a table knowing she had lamb belly, kangaroo and gator ribs up her sleeve.

Fortunately, we were five people which meant I was finally able to partake in her group tasting menu. Wow! Hit after hit arrived at the table in a perfect progression and enjoyable pace.  When it was all said and done, we devoured 17 delicious courses. Yes, 17.  As the meal was winding down, the friendly waiter/host/sommelier smiled at me and said "you're a tough character to kill." Yeah, you right!

If you still haven't ventured to neMesis yet, it's a laid back, comfortable, neighborhood type spot.  Go, sit back and relax and let Micah take you on a culinary journey.  You will not be disappointed. 
   







No trip to neMesis is complete without starting off with a sexy nibble of Caramelized Shallot Focaccia with hibiscus mascarpone and black lava sea salt.




Another great starter is the Leek and Fig Braised Duck Pot Stickers paired with a guava cardamon sauce.



The Baked Veggie Samoosa is one of my least favorite dishes on the menu. Not that there's anything wrong with it.  There's just so many other great options at your disposal.
 



Pa Amb Oli is Micah's tasty take on a classic Mallorcan dish.  Here, she added lomo and manchego to the bread and olive oil.  




My favorite dish of the night was a phenomenal Lamb Belly "Char Siu" special served with cashew roasted garlic Korean style pancakes. A little "tweety" bird told me that this may become a regular dish. 




Smoked Veal Bobotie paired with a passion fruit vinaigrette and garam masala pecans caught a tough draw sandwiched between the lamb belly and the kangaroo carpaccio.  A nice dish nonetheless.




Another highlight was the flavorful Kangaroo Carpaccio with rooibos tea smoked tomato oil and pan toasted focaccia croutons. The flavors and texture of this dish always hit the right notes for me.



A Lamb Ragu Tortellini was a very nice pasta course.



Lamb Sosaties were cooked and seasoned perfectly.




A neMesis staple followed next, the Guava Chili Pork with cheddar spatzle, apple fennel compote and apple cider gastrique.




This was the first time I had Micah's Horseradish Glazed Salmon with quinoa salad and grilled apple and this was an incredible salmon preparation.




 Gator Ribs.  I could eat these all night. Awesome.




Tuscan Sushi with prosciutto, mascarpone, gargonzola dulce and figs is another staple on the menu and one worth ordering.




I'm a big octopus fan and Micah's puss did not disappoint.  It was fresh, tender and packed with flavor.




Moo Baa Quack Oink.  Enough said.



The lovely Ms. Matilda and the new maitre 'd.




We transitioned from savory to sweet with a very nice Cinnamon Smoked Chocolate Cake with Corsair Rum Crema and Frenetic Toffee Crumble.




Local Strawberry Marcona Almond (not so) Short Cake followed and it was a great ending to a fantastic meal.  
 
I know we just entered February but I'm certain that Micah's tasting menu extravaganza will be in the conversation for best meal of 2013.

NeMesis Urban Bistro on Urbanspoon
 
Legalart Building
1035 N Miami Ave

Miami, FL 33136
Neighborhood: Downtown
(305) 415-9911

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