Sunday, November 23, 2014

A for Azul - Again


Azul is the sophisticated high end restaurant located inside the magnificent Mandarin Oriental Hotel located on Brickel Key.

As I've written before, I was a big fan of Azul when they initially opened and super star chef Michelle Bernstein was running the show. I missed the Clay Conley era but was pulled back in by a young chef working the line named Brad Kilgore.  We connected and he was the driving force for my return visit in October of 2011 which was an incredible meal.  Any kitchen with Brad Kilgore as sous chef paired with Jacob Anaya as assistant chef de cuisine and Joel Huff as chef de cuisine is a force to be reckoned with.

My fondness for Azul grew deeper following an outstanding Cobaya Dinner which was attended by Andrew Zimmern and featured on his show Bizarre Foods.

Those were special meals and special nights.  But they were actually topped by an epic meal prepared by Brad and his sous dubbed "an anatomy of a suckling pig."

That meal is the perfect segue to the current state of Azul and my recent tasting. Current chef de cuisine, William Crandall was the sous chef and played an integral role in that legendary meal.

Azul closed temporarily for "renovations" last year, yes some were actually made including the addition of a kitchen bar dining area, while they allegedly attempted to finalize a deal with Thomas Keller.  During that time, the hotel, spa and Azul were awarded the prestigious Five Star Award from Forbes Travel Guide.

No Keller no worries. The Mandarin knew they already had talent in the kitchen and wisely handed the keys to William. The Keller rumors, Five Stars and the dream team of Huff, Anaya and Kilgore placed William deep into the pressure cooker.  He has emerged burn free.

William Crandall is a name you need to know.  It's a name you better know if you want to be well versed in talented Miami Chefs.

William trained in Chicago under Michelin-Stared chef Andrew Zimmerman at NoMi. Chef Zimmerman is now running another well reviewed kitchen at Sepia.

I recently made a return visit to Azul to pay William a visit. I can happily report that the tradition of excellence at Azul continues under William's watch.  Of course, prices remain high but they continue to source quality products that are integrated into each interesting dish.  They currently offer a few tasting menu options which are the way to play.   They offer relative value and an opportunity to sample multiple and diverse offerings.

Azul has surrounded William with a great team which includes Ben Murray (sous), Todd Philips  (Sommelier), Frederic Monnet (pastry chef) and Joshua Willen (GM).

My recent visit featured seven courses along with two amuse-bouches.

The dishes were unique, the flavors were balanced and great plus execution was excellent.

I highly recommend paying Azul and William a visit soon.  This is another rising star.


http://photos-a.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xfa1/10802438_1707620492797184_1416000238_n.jpg

Amuse One - sumac, hibiscus, sudachi ponzu, smoked trout roe.


http://scontent-a-atl.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/10755942_367877643375078_1954211329_n.jpg 

Amuse two "Cafe con Leche"- sweet and sour mushroom tea with tarragon and cheese puff.

http://photos-g.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xfa1/10747820_1564974770383494_1948769377_n.jpg 

Alaskan King Crab - yuzu dashi, umeboshi, rouille, cucumber.

http://photos-c.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xfa1/10723751_382527781905442_2053420872_n.jpg 

Creamed Corn Risotto - uni, furikake, chardonnay.

http://photos-a.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xaf1/10747746_551782248299128_1425674058_n.jpg 

Steak & Eggs Tartare wild mushroom, Gouda, parsley, 63° quail eggs.

http://scontent-b-atl.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfa1/t51.2885-15/10787837_1512777912310789_1395686082_n.jpg 

Loup de Mer Barigoule - country ham nage, littleneck clams, rainbow carrots, baby artichoke, truffles.

http://photos-e.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xaf1/10808899_296906067170476_867817782_n.jpg 

Surf & Turf - lobster, foie gras, miso, fennel, sunchoke aeration.

http://photos-e.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-prn/1391185_560631104036828_163309686_n.jpg 

Kurobuta Pork Belly, tenderloin, pumpernickel, braised cabbage, turnip.

http://scontent-a-atl.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/10808610_276304295912744_67398444_n.jpg     

Irish Coffee Cube - Bailey's Gelee, crunchy pearls, caramelia chocolate gelato.


Azul on Urbanspoon


Address: Mandarin Oriental, Miami, 500 Brickell Key Dr, Miami, FL 33131
Phone:(305) 913-8358

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Breaking Bread with Top Chef Nina Compton 12.1.14

Embedded image permalink



"Let's cook" one night only! 12.1.14 
Refined Caribbean 5 course menu $75 
Better Call Nina 786.626.8103 
Reservation 6-10pm. 
South Beach.

If you've been missing the terrific cooking of the true Top Chef New Orleans champion Nina Compton you can get your fix for one night on December 1.  



Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Chef Bradley Kilgore Dinner Series ALTER

Chef Bradley Kilgore is opening a restaurant in Wynwood, to be called Alter. This pop-up dinner series will serve as a preview; 4-course fixed menu with an optional wine pairing.
The dinners will take place at Miam Cafe & Boutique in Wynwood located at 2750 NW 3rd Ave Suite 21, Miami, FL 33127. There will be two seatings one at 7pm and one at 9.30pm.
                          
For Tickets and Menu Information click here 


It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of Chef Bradley Kilgore.  I've enjoyed watching this young rising star become a full fledged star over the past couple of  years.  Now is his time to really shine and become a superstar.

If you are unfamiliar with Brad you can read more about him here and here.