4 Stars - Shikany, Oolite, NIU Kitchen & L'echon

  

I've been cruising around with my windows down and have made four solid pit stops along the way. All four stops were excellent and all four should be on your food radar.

                            

A diamond in the rough. All style AND substance. A chef with chutzpah. Shikany.

Shikany is owned and operated by Chef Michael Shikany and is located in a 4,000 square foot renovated big pimpin warehouse in Wynwood. Let's keep this simple. It if don't fit you must acquit Shikany isn't messing around. He's merging luxurious ingredients, modern techniques and the art of plating with a first class setting. It's aggressive and impressive. Oh and the food actually tastes great.

Unfortunately I didn't take any shots of the stunning dining room and open kitchen area. So you will have to take my word that it is a great space.

Michael just started offering a ten course tasting menu on Friday nights which is easily a great way to play.

 


A great amuse - Nori macaron, avocado mouse, yellowtail tartare, white soy foam.

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Yellowfin Tuna Tataki - kaffir ginger leaf confit, pear pate de fruit, pickled blueberry, rose gel, brown butter powder.

A5 BMS 12 Miyazaki Strip Loin Sashimi - white asparagus mousse, imperial osetra, pickled gooseberry, shimeji, blueberry, chambord, ramp oil.

 


This was an absolute homerun dish - scallops & sweetbreads perfectly cooked with purple cauliflower, licor 43 lemongrass beurre blanc, vanilla cotton candy.

Food fans of Miami go and enjoy the skillful and creative creations of chef Shikany.

251 NW 25th St, Miami, FL 33127
(305) 573-0690

Oolite, the new Red Light recently opened on Pennsylvania Avenue just off of Lincoln Road on South Beach. All you need to know is that the menu and kitchen is under the purview of Chef Kris Wessel. I've been a fan of Chef Wessel for a LONG time now. I will spare you on the details but you can read more about that here. He is easily one of the best chefs in town. His dishes are always executed perfectly and packed with a ton of awesome flavor. Bottom line, any restaurant that has Kris Wessel in the kitchen instantly becomes one of the best in town.

Chef Wessel's BBQ Shrimp are legendary, a real treat and a dish you do not want to skip.

I know it's hard to get excited about a bowl of soup BUT this is a dynamite dish packed with great flavors and tender conch.  Conch-Coconut, salsify & corn chowder.

 

This is another flavorful winner from Chef Wessel. Florida White Water Clams, lentil roti, safflower aioli.

Not pictured but highly recommended is his creole roasted oxtail.

Oolite is open daily for lunch and dinner. The bar is also open from noon to midnight and has a great bar menu featuring Kris' legendary bbq shrimp and ribs.

It's an ideal location for anyone shopping on Lincoln Road, attending a convention or a show at The Fillmore. There is ample and convenient parking located in the lot across the street.

There are a lot of great dishes on the menu so go hungry and often.

251 NW 25th St, Miami, FL 33127
305.573.0690

 


The next stop is a real hidden gem. Niu Kitchen is a brand new Catalan inspired restaurant located in downtown Miami. It's tiny and great. A combination that prompted this tweet exactly one month ago "I'd go enjoy Niu Kitchen while you can still get a table." And it may be too late already as word has spread and the feedback I've received has been great.

The kitchen is run by chef Deme Lomas who is from Barcelona.

I haven't made it back but you shouldn't make the same mistake. The food is legit, prices are reasonable and it's a cool little space.

 

Ous - poached eggs, truffled potato foam, Jamon Iberico, black truffle.




Gaaltes de Porc - pork cheek, potato foam.

Niu Kitchen is open Tuesday-Friday for lunch and Dinner and Saturday for dinner only.  

Niu Kitchen
134 N.E. 2nd Avenue, Miami, Florida

786.542.5070

 



L'echon L'echon where do I start with L'echon. Well, it's another winner from the Pubbelly Boys. Here, Chef Jose Mendin along with chef de cuisine Joshua Elliot are guilty of "pubbellying" French food and of course it works. I'm a huge fan of Chef Mendin because everything he serves me always tastes freakin great. And I'm confident that the dishes rolling out of L'echon will excel as well.

Cocktail fans will be happy as well because the talented Ashley Danella is behind the stick. She's curated a nice list with a French twist.

  

 

Coquilles St. Jacques - atlantic scallop, japanese citrus, verjus blanc, black truffle, turnip, red grapes.

 

Escargot de Bourgogne - garlic butter, potato-leek espuma, brioche croutons.

 
  
Pate de Campagne - moutarde verte, house pickles, country toast.

Chef Mendin and crew have another hit on their hands.  Not surprising.   Go enjoy some great French fare with a pubbelly twist.  

They are open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

  

HILTON CABANA
6261 Collins Avenue

Miami Beach,
Florida 33140
786.483.1611

All four spots are worth your time and money.

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